Read Notes

(•) Jane Eyre is an orphan, mistreated by her aunt and cousins at Gateshead Hall.

(•) She is sent to Lowood School, a harsh charity institution.

(•) At Lowood, she befriends Helen Burns, a pious and intelligent girl.

(•) Miss Temple, a kind teacher, becomes a positive influence on Jane.

(•) Jane endures terrible conditions and meager food at Lowood.

(•) Helen Burns dies of consumption, deeply affecting Jane.

(•) After years at Lowood, Jane becomes a teacher there.

(•) She decides to seek a new life and applies for a governess position.

(•) Jane is hired as a governess at Thornfield Hall, a grand estate.

(•) She teaches Adèle Varens, the ward of the mysterious Mr. Rochester.

(•) Mr. Rochester is brooding, sharp-tongued, and keeps to himself.

(•) Jane and Mr. Rochester engage in witty, intellectual conversations.

(•) Jane begins to fall in love with Mr. Rochester.

(•) Mr. Rochester is intrigued by Jane's intelligence and independent spirit.

(•) Strange noises and occurrences happen at Thornfield, causing unease.

(•) A fire breaks out in Mr. Rochester's room, which Jane helps put out.

(•) Mr. Rochester hints at a dark secret he carries.

(•) Blanche Ingram, a beautiful but superficial woman, visits Thornfield.

(•) Mr. Rochester seems to court Blanche, making Jane jealous and heartbroken.

(•) A mysterious gypsy woman appears at Thornfield and speaks to Jane and Blanche.

(•) The gypsy woman tells Jane secrets and advises her about love.

(•) Mr. Rochester reveals his true feelings for Jane, proposing marriage.

(•) Jane joyfully accepts his proposal.

(•) During the wedding ceremony, a lawyer named Mr. Mason interrupts.

(•) Mr. Mason reveals that Mr. Rochester is already married.

(•) Mr. Rochester's wife, Bertha Mason, is alive and hidden in Thornfield.

(•) Bertha is mentally ill and violent, kept locked away in the attic.

(•) Jane is devastated and feels betrayed.

(•) She confronts Mr. Rochester, who confesses his past and Bertha's condition.

(•) Jane, heartbroken but principled, decides she cannot stay and be his mistress.

(•) She leaves Thornfield with only a little money and no plan.

(•) Jane becomes destitute, begging for food and shelter.

(•) She collapses from hunger and exhaustion and is found by the Rivers family.

(•) The Rivers family consists of St. John, Diana, and Mary.

(•) St. John Rivers is a cold, zealous clergyman.

(•) Diana and Mary are educated and kind, becoming Jane's friends.

(•) Jane discovers she has inherited a fortune from her uncle, Mr. Eyre.

(•) She is shocked to learn that the Rivers siblings are her cousins and co-heirs.

(•) St. John Rivers wants Jane to marry him and go to India as a missionary.

(•) Jane refuses to marry St. John, feeling no romantic love for him.

(•) She feels a spiritual calling but not the one St. John desires.

(•) Jane decides to return to Thornfield to see if Mr. Rochester still needs her.

(•) She travels back to the vicinity of Thornfield.

(•) She learns that Thornfield Hall has been destroyed by fire.

(•) Bertha Mason started the fire and died in it.

(•) Mr. Rochester was injured trying to save Bertha.

(•) He has lost his sight and an arm.

(•) Jane finds Mr. Rochester living as a recluse at Ferndean Manor.

(•) He is humbled and broken by his experiences.

(•) Jane reveals herself to Mr. Rochester.

(•) He is overjoyed and surprised to find her.

(•) Jane nurses Mr. Rochester back to health.

(•) They confess their enduring love for each other.

(•) Mr. Rochester is now free to marry Jane, as Bertha is dead.

(•) Jane and Mr. Rochester get married.

(•) They find happiness and peace together.

(•) Mr. Rochester regains some sight in one eye.

(•) Jane and Mr. Rochester have a son.

(•) Jane's story is one of independence, resilience, and finding love.

Notes: Jane Eyre