Wuthering Heights & Jane Eyre
by Charlotte Brontë & Emily Brontë
Contents
CHAPTER XXXVIII — CONCLUSION
Overview
Jane and Rochester marry quietly and begin a lifelong, harmonious partnership. Jane retrieves Adèle from an overly strict school and ensures her happier education. Over ten years, Rochester partially regains his sight and they have a son. Diana and Mary marry well, while St. John pursues his mission in India, facing death with unwavering faith.
Summary
Jane narrates a quiet wedding to Edward Rochester, attended only by the parson and clerk. Returning to the manor-house, Jane informs the servants Mary and John, who react with subdued approval. Jane writes to Moor House and Cambridge; Diana and Mary Rivers approve wholeheartedly, while St. John does not reply at first.
Months later, St. John writes kindly, omitting mention of Rochester. Jane visits Adèle at her strict school, finds her unhappy and frail, and brings her home. Unable to resume full governess duties because Rochester needs her, Jane places Adèle in a more indulgent nearby school and supports her continued growth into a grateful, well-principled companion.
Jane reflects on ten years of marriage marked by perfect concord and constant companionship. During the first two years, Rochester remains blind, and Jane serves as his eyes, reading and describing the world without diminishing his dignity.
After two years, Rochester discerns returning perception in one eye. Consulting a London oculist, he regains limited sight, enough to move independently and to see their first-born son’s eyes, prompting his gratitude to Providence.
Jane notes wider fortunes: Diana and Mary Rivers happily marry Captain Fitzjames and Mr. Wharton, and they maintain affectionate visits. St. John fulfills his calling in India with tireless zeal, remaining unmarried and prepared for death. His letters affirm steadfast faith as he anticipates his heavenly reward.
Who Appears
- Jane EyreNarrator; marries Rochester, supports his blindness, oversees Adèle’s welfare, reflects on ten years of joyous marriage.
- Edward RochesterMarries Jane; blind for two years, later regains partial sight; becomes a devoted husband and father.
- Adèle VarensFound unhappy at strict school; moved by Jane to a kinder one; grows into a docile, well-principled companion.
- St. John RiversWrites calmly from afar; departs to India, serves zealously, remains unmarried, faces impending death with unwavering faith.
- Diana RiversApproves Jane’s marriage; later marries Captain Fitzjames and maintains affectionate family visits.
- Mary RiversApproves Jane’s marriage; later marries Mr. Wharton; continues regular visits.
- Mary (servant)Manor-house cook; hears of the marriage, responds with calm approval.
- John (servant)Old servant; predicts the marriage, congratulates Jane, and receives a gift.
- Captain FitzjamesDiana’s husband; a gallant naval officer, loving and loved.
- Mr. WhartonMary Rivers’s husband; a principled clergyman and friend of St. John.