Jane Eyre: Chapters 16-18
Chapter 16 - Summary
Chapter 18 - Summary
- Chapter 16 begins with Jane waking up the morning after she saves Rochester from the fire. She is confused to find out that no one pays attention to what had happened the night before. All of the servants believe that the fire was started from a candle next to Rochester's bed. However, Jane believes Grace Poole, the head seamstress and housekeeper at Thornfield, was involved in the incident.
- Also, this chapter is where Jane begins to like Rochester, and she is upset when she remembers that he is going away again to a party. She also soon learns that Blanche Ingram will be there. Jane is disappointed, and then compares herself to Blanche only to find out that she is much more plain than her.
- Mr. Rochester's guests still are at the house and a gypsy arrives to tell them their fortune. Blanche is told a bad fortune, and Jane soon finds out that Rochester is dressed up as the gypsy.
- In addition, Mr. Mason arrives in chapter 18. Jane does not get a good impression from him, however he tells Jane information about Rochester. (Where he had previously lived.)
Jane's Description of Blanche Ingram
When Jane first sees Blanche and her mother, it is at the party at Rochester's house in Thornfield. Jane describes them:
- They appear to her as having a very big presence and a lot of pride.
- On pg. 221 Jane describes Blanche as, "Her face was like her mother's; a youthful unfurrowed likeness: the same low brow, the same high features, the same pride. It was not, however, so saturnine a pride: she laughed continually; her laugh was satirical, and so was the habitual expression of her arched and haughty lip." This shows that Blanche doesnt show the good sense of pride. She has too much of an ego.
- satirical: sarcastic, mocks one another
Chapter 17 - Summary
- In chapter 17, Jane learns that Rochester will be returning with a large group of people including Blanche Ingram, and her mother.
- In addition, Jane continues to wonder about Grace poole, and her role at Thornfield.
- When Rochester and his guests arrive, Blanche and her mother treat Jane with cruelty. She tries to run from the party, however Rochester catches her and tells her she must come to the drawing room everyday as long as the guests are still at Thornfield. Rochester lets Jane go, and continues to express his love for her.
Jane's opinion on Blanche Ingram
Mrs. Fairfax's Description of Blanche Ingram
Mrs Fairfax sees Blanche for the first time at a Christmas ball party. On pg. 203 Mrs fairfax says she is:
- "Tall, fine bust, sloping shoulders; long, graceful neck: olive complexion, dark and clear; noble features; eyes..." This shows that Mrs. Fairfax thinks that Blanche is beautiful.
- In addition, she thinks that Blanche is a good singer after her and Mr. Rochester perform a duet.
- Jane felt that Blanche had a lot of accomplishments, and high energy.
- She also thought she was a good singer, just like Mrs. Fairfax.
- However, the bad out-weighed the good because Jane also felt hatred for Blanche for multiple reasons:
1. She had a large ego, and had too much pride.
2. She was using Rochester for his wealth, and not true love.
3. She hated Adele, and insulted her.
4. She treated Jane on a lower level because she grew up in Mrs. Reed's house.
- Overall, Jane does not like Blanche Ingram.