Chapter 25: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Key Themes

• Courtship and Anticipation: Jane prepares for her wedding to Mr. Rochester, reflecting on her new identity as "Mrs. Rochester."
• Anxiety and Preoccupation: Jane is troubled by a mysterious event that occurred the night before and is eager to discuss it with Mr. Rochester.
• Imagery and Symbolism: The stormy weather and the split chestnut tree symbolize turmoil and change.
• Dreams and Prefigurations: Jane's dreams foreshadow potential disaster and her feelings of separation from Mr. Rochester.

Summary of Events

Wedding Preparations

• Jane reflects on the changes as she prepares to become Mrs. Rochester.
• Her trunks are packed, and everything is ready for the wedding.
• Jane is hesitant to accept her new identity until she is married.

Mysterious Event and Anxiety

• Jane feels restless due to a strange event the night before while Mr. Rochester was away.
• She is eager to share her secret with him and seeks his return.
• The event involved a mysterious visitor in her room disrupting her wedding preparations.

Symbolic Walk in the Orchard

• Jane walks in the orchard, contemplating a split chestnut tree, symbolizing a ruined but together entity.
• The stormy weather and dark sky reflect her inner turmoil.

Mr. Rochester's Return

• Jane is anxious when Mr. Rochester returns late.
• She runs to meet him in the rain, expressing relief and a need to be near him.

Conversations and Revelations

• Jane shares her fears and last night's mysterious event with Mr. Rochester.
• She tells of her dreams and the apparition in her room.
• Mr. Rochester attempts to comfort Jane, attributing the incident to Grace Poole, a servant known for strange behavior.

Discussion of Dreams

• Jane describes two dreams that symbolize her fears and feelings of helplessness.
• Dreams portray a ruined Thornfield Hall and a sense of danger and loss.

Resolution and Comfort

• Mr. Rochester reassures Jane, dismissing her visions as a product of nerves.
• He promises a future without fear, though Jane remains somewhat unsettled.

Closing Scenes

• Mr. Rochester insists Jane spend the night in the nursery with Adele and Sophie for comfort.
• Jane prepares for the wedding day, reflecting on her past and her apprehensive yet hopeful future.

Important Details

• Setting: Thornfield Hall and its grounds, emphasizing the gothic and mysterious atmosphere.
• Symbols: The split chestnut tree, the stormy weather, and the ruined veil signify impending change and unease.
• Character Interactions: Jane and Mr. Rochester's relationship is highlighted by their emotional exchanges and mutual reassurance.

Study Notes

• Consider the use of gothic elements and how they contribute to the mood and foreshadowing in the narrative.
• Analyze Jane's internal conflict between her past and her future.
• Reflect on the role of dreams and supernatural elements as a narrative device.