Jane Eyre: Chapter 35

The color-coded bars in this section make it easy to track the themes throughout the work. Each color corresponds to one of the themes explained in the Themes section of this LitChart. For instance, indicates that all six themes apply to that part of the summary.

Summary Analysis Themes

St. John continues to try to convince Jane to marry him. Jane knows that working in India would be a tremendous sacrifice: the heat and heavy labor would soon take her life. She reflects that death doesn’t scare her, but that she wants to feel real love in life. Diana agrees that Jane shouldn’t go, saying that St. John wants Jane merely to be a tool in his great missionary cause.

Living an independent life, experiencing new feelings, and finding love are all important to Jane. She shows respect for God by trying to find a path that is true to all of her needs.

One evening after dinner, St. John reads prayers aloud with such fervor and command that Jane feels compelled to accept his marriage proposal.

The strength of St. John’s mission and faith almost overwhelms Jane.

Yet just as she’s about to give in, Jane hears Rochester’s voice calling for help as if from a great distance: “Jane! Jane! Jane!” She rushes outside and cries out a promise to come to him.

While Jane’s heart is “mute” to St. John, it speaks directly to Rochester. Jane’s spiritual connection to Rochester restores her independence.