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Jane Eyre Chapter 32 Summary

Apr 10, 2025

Notes on Jane Eyre Chapter 32

Overview

  • Narrator's Occupation: Jane continues her work at the village school, facing initial challenges but ultimately finding satisfaction and progress among her students.
  • Student Development: Initially untaught and dull, the students show surprising development and individuality as Jane gets to know them.
  • Community Integration: Jane becomes a well-regarded figure in the community, receiving kindness and affection from the students and their families.

Jane's Internal Conflict

  • Dreams of Rochester: Despite the calm of her current life, Jane experiences vivid dreams of Mr. Rochester, indicating unresolved feelings.

Rosamond Oliver

  • Frequent Visits: Rosamond Oliver visits Jane at the school, often during her morning rides, and becomes a regular part of Jane's life.
  • Appearance: Rosamond is described as exquisitely beautiful, often causing a stir with her presence.

St. John Rivers

  • Emotional Conflict: St. John is visibly affected by Rosamond's presence, hinting at deeper feelings despite his stoic exterior.
  • Professional Commitment: St. John is torn between his feelings for Rosamond and his dedication to his missionary work.

Rosamond's Character

  • Attributes: She is charming, lively, somewhat vain, but not deeply profound or complex. Jane finds her pleasant but not intellectually engaging.

Artistic Endeavors

  • Artistic Talent: Jane's artistic abilities are appreciated by Rosamond and her father, leading to social invitations.
  • Portrait of Rosamond: Jane is commissioned to create a more finished portrait of Rosamond, highlighting Jane's artistic skills.

Mr. Oliver's Views

  • Respect for St. John: Mr. Oliver holds the Rivers family in high regard and sees St. John as a suitable match for Rosamond.

St. John’s Concerns and Decisions

  • Inner Conflict: St. John struggles with his feelings for Rosamond, acknowledging her unsuitability as a partner for his missionary work.
  • Determination: Despite his love for her, St. John prioritizes his religious and professional commitments over personal happiness.

Jane's Interaction with St. John

  • Encouragement: Jane attempts to coax St. John into expressing his emotions and reconsidering his choices regarding Rosamond.
  • St. John's Response: He shares his internal struggle, revealing a deep conflict between his desires and his duties.
  • Philosophical View: St. John describes himself as a 'Christian philosopher,' balancing faith, duty, and personal ambition.

Mysterious Incident

  • Curious Observation: St. John notices something on a piece of paper in Jane's possession, leading to a peculiar reaction, but the significance remains unclear.

Conclusion

  • Chapter's End: The chapter concludes with Jane left in contemplation over the mysterious incident and her conversation with St. John.