Wuthering Heights & Jane Eyre
by Charlotte Brontë & Emily Brontë
Contents
CHAPTER XXXVII
Overview
Jane reaches the desolate manor at Ferndean and secretly observes the blind, maimed Rochester before revealing herself. Their reunion dissolves his despair and her doubts; she declares independence and devotion, dispels his jealousy of St. John, and accepts Rochester’s proposal. Rochester recounts hearing Jane’s voice days earlier and gives thanks to God.
Summary
Jane arrives at the remote, decaying Ferndean at dusk and, before entering, watches the blind and maimed Edward Rochester groping in the rain, sunk in brooding despair. After John withdraws, Jane enters via Mary, carries in his candles and water, and lets Rochester recognize her by touch before revealing her identity.
The shock yields to joy as Jane pledges never to leave again. She announces her newfound independence and inheritance, offers to be Rochester’s companion and caretaker, and restores warmth to the room and to his spirits with supper and light conversation, postponing the full tale of her year away to spare him.
At dawn, Jane finds Rochester anxiously seeking her. Outdoors, she recounts her hardships, refuge at Moor House, fortune, and kinship with the Rivers family. Rochester’s jealousy flares at St. John’s name; through gentle teasing and candid answers, Jane admits St. John proposed but insists there is no love between them and that her heart belongs wholly to Rochester.
Reassured yet conscious of his injuries, Rochester despairs of his worthiness; Jane counters with steadfast love and practical devotion. When Rochester asks for a wife, Jane bids him choose the one he loves best; he proposes, and she accepts despite his blindness, age, and infirmity. They resolve to marry immediately, setting the wedding in three days.
Rochester reflects on divine justice and repentance, then recounts how, four nights earlier, he cried out Jane’s name and heard her answering voice on the wind. Jane privately recognizes the coincidence with her own midnight experience but withholds it to avoid deepening his gloom. Rochester offers a prayer of gratitude, and Jane guides him home through the wood.
Who Appears
- Jane EyreProtagonist; arrives at Ferndean, reveals herself to Rochester, declares independence and devotion, recounts her year, and accepts his proposal.
- Edward Fairfax RochesterBlind and maimed, living reclusively at Ferndean; reunites with Jane, struggles with jealousy and unworthiness, proposes marriage, expresses repentance and gratitude.
- MaryJohn’s wife and housekeeper at Ferndean; admits Jane, assists her, and serves Rochester.
- JohnServant at Ferndean; attends Rochester outdoors, retrieves Jane’s trunk, and serves in the household.
- PilotRochester’s faithful dog; recognizes Jane and signals her presence, later rests beside them.