Jane Eyre Chapters 25-26 Litblog

Mary Ann MacDonald
Period 5
10-16-12

Chapters 25-26

Summary: In chapter 25, Jane receives her wedding dress and has trouble picturing her wedding day, she then discovers that the chestnut tree has been struck by lightening and is cut exactly in half. She is anxious and runs down the road to meet Mr.Rochester on his horse and they go back to the hall to eat dinner together. She tells him that someone came into her room the night before and tore her veil in half. Mr. Rochester has her then sleep with Adele to keep her safe. In chapter 26,  Jane comes down in her wedding dress and ready to be married. They make it to the church and a stranger tells them he has an impediment to their marriage, saying Mr.Rochester was already married. It turns out he is, to a woman named Bertha Mason. Mr.Mason's sister. She is mad, and Mr. Rochester has Grace Poole take care if her. But they have nothing together and she is locked up all through the day, and is like a wild hyena. Jane is devastated.

Quotation: "...I never saw a face like it! It was a discoloured face- it was a savage face. I wish I could forget the roll of the red eyes and the fearful blackened inflation of the lineaments!"(301).

Quotation Significance: This quote is essentially about Bertha Mason. Mr. Rochester's wife, even though Jane doesn't know it at the time. This is why Jane's veil is ripped and Mr. Mason is attacked by this woman, who is his sister. Bertha is described as a savage beast, like a werewolf.

Reflection: Jane is shocked when she hears of Mr. Rochester's betrayal, and thinks about leaving Thornfield. She still loves him but his deepylt hurt by his actions. She does seem to understand though what he must be going through though, he is a man who wants to get away from a estranged wife.  What I find puzzling is the fact that Jane doesn't say much during the service and after, like she thought the whole marriage was too good to be true anyway. Mr. Rochester still wants to marry Jane and didn't mean to hurt her the way he did. My prediction was right in believing that Mrs. Poole was innocent, she is only Bertha's caretaker. But someone had to be blamed for Mr. Mason's injury, the cries, and the torn veil, so Mr. Rochester blames Mrs. Poole to keep Bertha hidden. I think next Bertha will continue to hurt Jane and Mr. Rochester's relationship and will hurt more people. But in the end, Jane will destroy the beast or make it normal once again.

Discussion Question: Why did Mr. Rochester keep Berta Mason a secret?