Chapter 27

People:


Jane: Devastated, but determined to rise against
Rochester: still married, still in love with Jane, desperate for a solution

Why is it so difficult for Jane to leave Thornfield, not only because of Mr. Rochester?
The connections she had there were the closest to family she has ever experienced. She was a mother figure, a daughter and a wife. The house itself was beautiful and much to her liking. Though she understands Mr.Rochester's actions, she does not approve of them. In order to rid herself of one person, she has to break her bonds entirely. In addition, i do not believe Jane's spiritual journey was even compleated at that point for her to of been able to stay and be happy.
Places:

1. Imagine how the setting of Thornfield in this chapter would have been completely different if the marriage had gone occurred.

• It appears that Thornfield would not have been as gloomy and creepy like it always is if the wedding had happened. More life would have been added to the house, well at least for Jane, Rochester, and Adele; but for the others who knew about Bertha and Rochester's marriage, would have have had a harder time in the house. Also, if the marriage did happen, there could be the possibility that Thornfield would not have existed anymore because Bertha might have burnt it down if it happened.

     2.  How will Thornfield be now that Jane has abandoned it?

• I believe Thornfield will be shut down to the exception of Bertha and maybe Grace. Rochester will also abandon it and start a new life somewhere else and will send Adele to school and the others will be dismissed. Without Jane, life for the others residing, especially for Mr. Rochester, it will be lifeless.

Summary:

• Jane finds Mr. Rochester waiting for her.  He asks her for forgiveness.  He plans to go out of the country with her so they can be married, but Jane does not want to be a mistress to him.  Mr. Rochester tells her about his relationship with his wife.  He explains that he married a woman who he knew little about.  His marriage was arranged by his father who cared about the profit of the marriage.  Mr. Rochester also explains how he did not know Bertha comes from a twisted family.  He recounts how he travelled the world looking for a woman to love since he felt deprived of it.  His wife only gave him misery.  He tells Jane how he was captivated by her. 
• Professor interpretation: When Jane leaves Thornfield, she embarks on a road that she has seen but has never travelled on. This new road shows that she will experience things that are also new to her and since she does not know where it will lead, her future is also unclear.

Personal Reactions:

1. Why is Jane so anxious to leave Thornfield?

• She was deceived by the man she loved.  She almost unknowingly committed a sin by being the wife of a man who is already married. (Nicole)
• Jane is anxious to leave Thornfield because she does not want to slip into her desires and stay to be a mistress for Mr. Rochester. She knows that the only way she can save herself from degradation, she must get rid of the temptation.  (Gloria)

1. Do you think there it would be reasonable for Jane to stay with Mr Rochester?

• If she truly loves him still, it may suit her to stay with him.  She also needs a place to stay.  He is the closest friend she has.  Without him, Jane would not have anyone to help her out. (Nicole)
• Although they both do truly love each other, I don't think Jane should stay with Mr. Rochester because she will then base her entire life off of him. She needs to first discover more of what her character is before she can fully commit herself to another being.  (Gloria)

Vocabulary:

1. “there was such deep remorse in his eyes, such true pity in his tone, such manly energy in his manner: and besides, there was such unchanged love in his look and mien I forgave him all: yet not in words, not outwardly; only at my hearts core"
• mien: n. expression; countenance
2. "But, then, a voice within me avvered that I could do it and foretold that I should do it".
• avvered: v. state or assert to be the case.
3. "I percived that I was sickening from excitement and inanition"
• inanition: n. lack of mental or spiritual vigor and enthusiasm.
4. "I would rather you had come and upbraided me with vehemence".
• vehemence: adj. showing strong feeling; forceful, passionate, or intense.
5. "Nothing bitter--nothing poignant?"
• poignant: adj. evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret.
6. "...and if you have no desire to expostulate, to upbraid, to make a scene..."
• expostulate: v. express strong disapproval or disagreement.
7. "...to bear her company and be at hand to give her aid in the paroxysms..."
• paroxysms: n. a sudden attack or violent expression of a particular emotion or activity.
8. "...you speak of her with hate--with vindictive antipathy".
• vindictive: adj. having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge.
9. "Why do you importune me about her!"
• importune: v. ask (someone) pressingly and persistently for or to do something.
10. "There is no folly so besotted that the idiotic rivalries of society..."
• besotted: adj. strongly infatuated.

Chapter 27

• People: Rebecca
• Places: Ryan
• Summary: Gloria
• Personal Reaction: Nicole
• Vocabulary: Monica