Jane Eyre Plot Summary - Chapters 11-14 - Schooling Online

Summary

In this excerpt from *Jane Eyre*, 18-year-old Jane begins a new chapter of her life as a governess at Thornfield Hall. As she arrives, she is introduced to the housekeeper, Mrs. Fairfax, and learns of Mr. Rochester, the elusive owner of the estate. Jane grows curious about the mysterious atmosphere and the odd occurrences at Thornfield, including eerie laughter and strange moods from Mr. Rochester. Her first encounter with him reveals his complex character, marked by a mix of harshness and hidden vulnerability. As Jane settles into her role, she becomes more entangled in the secrets and mysteries surrounding her new life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jane Eyre, at 18 years old, begins a new chapter of her life as a governess at Thornfield Hall, leaving behind her past at Lowood School.
• 😀 Jane arrives at Thornfield Hall, a grand yet imposing mansion, and meets Mrs. Fairfax, the housekeeper, who provides a warm, motherly welcome.
• 😀 Mrs. Fairfax reveals that Thornfield's owner, Mr. Rochester, is rarely around, and Adele Varens, Jane's pupil, is Mr. Rochester's ward, though the reasons behind it are unclear.
• 😀 Jane learns that Adele and her nanny, Sophie, are French, and Jane’s fluency in the language helps her in communication.
• 😀 Jane discovers that Thornfield is a lonely place for Mrs. Fairfax, who prefers distance from the other servants.
• 😀 Jane becomes unsettled by a strange ghostly laugh coming from the third story, but Mrs. Fairfax dismisses it as the noise of the servants.
• 😀 Over the months, Jane starts to feel restless, contemplating her desire to see the world but realizing that such ambitions aren’t considered proper for women.
• 😀 During a walk, Jane meets a traveler who turns out to be Mr. Rochester, though she doesn’t realize it at first. Their encounter is marked by tension and a stern exchange.
• 😀 Upon Mr. Rochester's return to Thornfield, Jane notices a shift in the atmosphere, with a livelier, more energetic environment.
• 😀 Jane’s first formal tea with Mr. Rochester reveals his complex personality—he is direct, almost angry, but also shows a softer side, giving Jane compliments and paying attention to her artistic skills.

Q & A

What is the main reason Jane Eyre decides to leave Lowood School and become a governess at Thornfield Hall?

Jane decides to leave Lowood School and become a governess at Thornfield Hall because she is seeking a new phase in her life, after spending eight years at Lowood. She is excited but also uncertain about what to expect at Thornfield.

How does Jane feel about Mrs. Fairfax when she first meets her?

When Jane first meets Mrs. Fairfax, she feels relieved. Mrs. Fairfax is kind and welcoming, offering Jane a warm, motherly presence that Jane finds comforting, especially after her journey to Thornfield.

What is Jane’s initial impression of Thornfield Hall as she explores the mansion?

Jane is struck by the grandeur of Thornfield Hall, finding it imposing and different from what she is used to. However, she appreciates the beauty of the place, although it also seems lonely, which may explain Mrs. Fairfax's desire for some companionship.

What mystery surrounds Mr. Rochester, and how does Jane learn about him?

The mystery surrounding Mr. Rochester involves his rare presence at Thornfield and his role as the guardian of Adele. Jane learns that Mr. Rochester is often away and that Mrs. Fairfax is just the housekeeper, not the owner, as she initially thought.

What is the significance of the encounter between Jane and the injured traveler?

The encounter between Jane and the injured traveler is significant because it turns out that the traveler is Mr. Rochester, though Jane doesn't know this at the time. Their interaction marks the beginning of Jane's awareness of Mr. Rochester's complex nature, which will later become a focal point of their relationship.

What role does Grace Poole play at Thornfield, and how is she connected to the mysterious events at the mansion?

Grace Poole is a servant at Thornfield who is indirectly linked to the mysterious events, including the disturbing, ghostly laughter that Jane hears. Mrs. Fairfax dismisses it as mere noise, attributing it to Grace Poole, but the unsettling atmosphere suggests there may be more to it.

Why does Jane feel restless despite her comfortable life at Thornfield?

Jane feels restless because, although her life at Thornfield is stable and pleasant, she yearns for more adventure and experiences. She dreams of exploring the world beyond Thornfield, which she feels is out of reach for a woman in her position.

What does Mr. Rochester reveal about his past during his conversation with Jane in the dining room?

Mr. Rochester reveals that when he was younger, he faced a cruel blow from fate, which has made him bitter. He confesses that although he doesn't believe in changing, Jane challenges him to reconsider, and the conversation becomes a mix of confusion and deeper insight into his troubled past.

How does Jane react to Mr. Rochester's compliment about her appearance during their conversation?

When Mr. Rochester comments on Jane’s appearance, remarking that she might be a fairy, Jane responds honestly, saying that she does not find him handsome. This leads to a teasing exchange, where Mr. Rochester appreciates her bluntness and intelligence.

What is the significance of Adele’s performance at breakfast, and how does it affect Jane's view of her?

Adele's performance at breakfast, where she sings and dances, highlights her lively and charming personality, but also her naivety. While Adele is a pleasant student, her lack of serious talent makes Jane's task as a governess more challenging, as she tries to teach her despite these limitations.