Jane Eyre | Chapter 30 | Summary

Summary

Jane, Diana, and Mary find that they have many interests in common, and they become close friends over the next month. St. John, more reserved than his sisters, is often away, tending to his parishioners; Jane hears one of his powerful sermons, which reveals a strict, almost harsh set of beliefs. After a month St. John explains that his sisters will soon be leaving and he will return to his parsonage, where he will remain for a year or so before departing it. He then offers Jane a position as teacher in the school in the village of Morton that he intends to open; a building has been made ready, but there is no teacher in place. Her pupils will be the daughters of farmers and villagers. Jane gratefully accepts the position, which comes with a small cottage in Morton. The Rivers siblings then receive word that their Uncle John has died and left his fortune of 20,000 pounds to an unknown relative. They'd hoped he would leave some of his fortune to them, because he was responsible for losing most of their father's fortune in a speculation scheme. Soon Diana and Mary go back to the city, Moor House is shut up, and St. John returns to his parsonage.

Analysis

Diana and Mary share many interests with Jane, and she admires their intellectual pursuits and accomplishments. She hasn't had this kind of friendship since Lowood. St. John is a puzzle, because his spirituality is so different from Jane's. It seems rigid, lacking in gentleness and joy. Yet, unlike Mr. Brocklehurst, who also had a strict interpretation of religion, St. John has a kind, generous heart. Like Rochester, he gives her the possibility of employment, which allows her to be independent.