Key Quotes and Analysis

“In the deep shade, at the farther end of the room, a figure ran backwards and forwards. What it was, whether beast or human being, one could not, at first sight tell: it groveled, seemingly on all fours: it snatched and growled like some strange wild animal: but it was covered with clothing and a quantity of dark, grizzled hair wild as a mane, hid its head and face” (Chapter 26)

_Jane Eyre

In the above quote, Jane describes her first close encounter with Bertha, Rochester’s first wife. In the big reveal after Mr. Mason’s allegation that Rochester is already married, Rochester takes the wedding party to the third floor of Thornfield. He exhibits Bertha to justify his philandering and his decision to marry Jane.

Jane’s description of Bertha reduces Bertha to an animalistic existence. She uses “it” as a pronoun to describe Bertha and explains her movements and growls as scary and primal.

“Is there not love in my heart, and constancy in my resolves? It will expiate at God’s tribunal. I know my Maker sanctions what I do.” (Chapter 23)

_Mr. Rochester

These words are uttered by Rochester right after he proposes to Jane for the first time during their garden stroll. These words suggest that Rochester has not been entirely truthful about his past with Jane; she doesn’t know about his previous marriage, and Rochester suggests that though he may be in the wrong, he will ultimately be forgiven by God for his actions.

“You have no business to take our books; you are a dependent, mama says; you have no money; your father left you none; you ought to beg, and not to live here with gentlemen’s children like us.” (Chapter 1)

_John Reed

These are the words spoken by John Reed as he bullies his cousin Jane at the beginning of the novel. The scene establishes that Jane is an intelligent girl who is fond of reading. It also shows how she is mistreated by her wealthy family because she is an orphan. Mrs. Reed’s words seem to have encouraged John to mistreat his cousin. This also establishes one of the main themes of the novel, which is class hierarchies in Victorian society.

“I tired of the routine of eight years in one afternoon. I desired liberty; for liberty I gasped; for liberty I uttered a prayer; it seemed scattered on the wind then faintly blowing. I abandoned it and framed a humbler supplication; for change, stimulus: that petition, too, seemed swept off into vague space: “Then,” I cried, half desperate, “grant me at least a new servitude!” (Chapter 10)

_Jane Eyre

“Who in the world cares for you? Or who will be injured by what you do?” Still indomitable was the reply—”I care for myself. The more solitary, the more friendless, the more unsustained I am, the more I will respect myself. I will keep the law given by God; sanctioned by man.” (Chapter 27)

_Jane Eyre

“I sometimes have a queer feeling with regard to you—especially when you are near me, as now: it is as if I had a string somewhere under my left ribs, tightly and inextricably knotted to a similar string situated in the corresponding quarter of your little frame.” (Chapter 23)

_Rochester

“Reader, I married him.” (Chapter 38)

_Jane Eyre

“Again the surprised expression crossed his face. He had not imagined that a woman would dare to speak so to a man. For me, I felt at home in this sort of discourse. I could never rest in communication with strong, discreet, and refined minds, whether male or female, till I had passed the outworks of conventional reserve, and crossed the threshold of confidence, and won a place by their heart’s very hearthstone.” (Chapter 32)

_Jane Eyre

“If you are a Christian, you ought not to consider poverty a crime.” (Chapter 29)

_Jane Eyre

“Consistency, madam, is the first of Christian duties; and it has been observed in every arrangement connected with the establishment of Lowood: plain fare, simple attire, unsophisticated accommodations, hardy and active habits; such is the order of the day in the house and its inhabitants.” (Chapter 4)

_Mr Brocklehurst

“Be seated somewhere; and until you can speak pleasantly, remain silent.” (Chapter 1)

_Mrs Reed

“Good-night, my – ” He stopped, bit his lip, and abruptly left me.” (Chapter 17)

_Jane Eyre

“God and nature intended you for a missionary’s wife. It is not personal, but mental endowments they have given you: you are formed for labour, not for love. A missionary’s wife you must – shall be. You shall be mine: I claim you – not for my pleasure, but for my Sovereign’s service.” (Chapter 34)

_St. John Rivers