Jane Eyre | Chapter 22 | Summary

Summary

After her aunt's funeral, Jane stays two more weeks to help her cousins until Georgiana departs to live with an uncle in London and Eliza leaves for a convent. Back at Thornfield after a month, Jane (who dreamed about Miss Ingram during her journey back) encounters Rochester in the garden. He greets her joyfully, teasing her about her elfish, fairy ways, and welcoming her home. Impulsively, before quickly walking past him, Jane blurts out, "I am strangely glad to get back again to you: and wherever you are is my home—my only home."

Two weeks go by and there is no evidence of Miss Ingram's and Rochester's marriage plans. Rochester spends more time than ever with Jane. She sometimes becomes dejected at thoughts of the pending marriage, but at such times Rochester's spirits seem to improve even more.

Analysis

Rochester's frequent references to Jane's connection with the "elfish" or "fairy" reinforce his view of Jane as an agent of change in his life. Elves and fairies often cast spells or grant wishes that change people's lives, and Rochester hopes that Jane will change his life for the better.

Jane's impulsive admission about home being wherever Rochester is seems rather bold, for her. This may be why Rochester's mood improves and why he spends so much time with her. Blanche Ingram seems to have receded into the background, but Rochester still doesn't deny that the marriage will take place.

Jane conveys her and Rochester's conversation in the garden in the present tense, once again heightening the emotional intensity with this switch.