Jane Eyre Chapters 31-32 Litblog

Mary Ann MacDonald
Period 5
10-22-12

Chapter 31-32

Summary: In chapter 31, Jane has opened the school and Mr. Rivers comes by to drop off a box of art supplies from Diana and Mary for Jane, and Jane meets Miss Oliver, daughter of the rich man who owns the mansion on the hill. Miss Oliver invited Mr. Rivers to her home to talk with Mr. Oliver but Mr. Rivers declines. In chapter 32,  Jane begins to like some of the children at her little school, and becomes friends with many people in the neighborhood. She has many dreams of Mr. Rochester, and Miss Oliver comes to school to teach and to Jane's cottage and Jane makes a sketch of her, Mr. Oliver sees it and has her finish it and meet with him at his mansion. Mr. Rivers tells Jane he likes Miss Oliver alot but can't see it working out even though she likes him.

Quotation: "I am simply, in my original state-stripped of that blood-bleached robe with which Christianity covers human deformity-a cold, hard, ambitious man."(400)

Quotation Significance: Mr. Rivers says this after talking about Miss Oliver. He is saying that he is open and not hidden beneath his mask of deformity to protect himself- making him an overall cold, but ambitious man.

Reflection: Even though Jane moves so far away to avoid Mr. Rochester, she finds she is constantly thinking about hims and having dreams about him all the time. She wants to forget about him, but she can't help but think about how her life would be if she stayed with him. St. John loves Miss Oliver, but he can't see a future with her or imagine her being a missionary's wife. Miss Oliver is in love with St. john and doesn't understand why he doesn't love her back. She is confused and lovestruck and tries to get St. John's attention but nothing really works to change him. He doesn't want to leave the sanctuary of God for a love that probably won't work out, the promise of heaven is too important to him. I think next Jane will go for a visit to Thornfield and fall in love again with Mr. Rochester or they will somehow meet up again one day.

Discussion Question: Why is St. John so afraid to commit his love to Miss Oliver?