Wuthering Heights & Jane Eyre
by Charlotte Brontë & Emily Brontë
Contents
Jane Eyre — CHAPTER XVII
Overview
Rochester returns to Thornfield with a fashionable party, led by Blanche Ingram, prompting feverish preparations. Jane observes Grace Poole’s enigmatic privileges and the guests’ hauteur, including open contempt for governesses. Witnessing Rochester’s attentions to Blanche, Jane recognises her love yet remains sidelined. In a private hallway moment, Rochester detects Jane’s distress and insists she attend the drawing room each evening.
Summary
With Rochester absent beyond a fortnight, Jane disciplines her hopes and even considers leaving Thornfield. A letter announces his return in three days with a large party, spurring intense housewide preparations. During the bustle, Jane again notes Grace Poole’s secretive habits, unusual wages, and isolation, reinforcing the sense of a Thornfield mystery from which she is excluded.
The guests arrive in style, Rochester riding beside the striking Blanche Ingram. Jane keeps to the schoolroom, feeds Adèle from the kitchen during the servants’ rush, and later listens to music from the stairs. The next day’s excursion shows Rochester and Blanche riding apart together, and an invitation obliges Jane and Adèle to appear that evening in the drawing room.
Entering early, Jane discreetly observes the company: the Eshtons, the Lynns, Colonel and Mrs. Dent, Lord Ingram, and the formidable Dowager Lady Ingram with daughters Blanche and Mary. Blanche dazzles with accomplishments but displays pride and a satirical edge. Jane tries to judge whether Blanche suits Rochester while Adèle is fussed over by some ladies.
The gentlemen join; Jane covertly watches Rochester and feels her suppressed love revive. Blanche engages Rochester, deriding governesses; Lady Ingram adds insulting judgments, fully aware a governess is present. Jane remains silent in the shadows, stung yet composed, while the party’s conversation grows lively.
Blanche performs at the piano and commands Rochester to sing; his rich voice moves Jane. Seizing a lull, she slips away but meets Rochester in the hall. He questions her absence, notes her pallor and near tears, and, cutting the moment short, orders that while his guests remain she must attend the drawing room nightly. He abruptly breaks off an unfinished, intimate address and leaves.
Who Appears
- Jane EyreGoverness; suppresses feelings for Rochester, notes Grace Poole’s mystery, observes guests, endures slights, realises her love, and meets Rochester privately.
- Edward RochesterMaster of Thornfield; returns with guests, attends Blanche, sings powerfully, then privately senses Jane’s distress and requires her nightly presence.
- Blanche IngramProud, accomplished guest; draws Rochester’s attention, mocks governesses, performs music, and dominates conversation.
- Mrs. FairfaxHousekeeper; manages extensive preparations, conveys Rochester’s instructions, and coaches Jane on appearing discreetly.
- Adèle VarensJane’s pupil; excited by company, fussed over by ladies, and later accompanies Jane to the drawing room.
- Grace PooleMysterious servant; isolated routine, high wages, and secrecy deepen Jane’s sense of Thornfield’s hidden matter.
- Dowager Lady IngramHaughty matriarch; condemns governesses and flaunts superiority, influencing the room’s tone.
- Mary IngramBlanche’s quieter sister; present among guests, courted by Frederick Lynn with engravings.
- Mrs. DentGentle guest; converses with Blanche, shows tact by warning Lady Ingram about Jane’s presence.
- Lady LynnStately guest; socializes with dowagers and remarks on Adèle.
- Amy and Louisa EshtonYoung ladies; admire Adèle and chat with Rochester without being moved by his gaze.
- Colonel DentSoldierly guest; debates politics and praises Rochester during banter.
- Lord Ingram (Theodore)Blanche’s brother; languid, recalls pranks on tutors, attends Amy Eshton.