Wuthering Heights & Jane Eyre
by Charlotte Brontë & Emily Brontë
Contents
Jane Eyre — CHAPTER X
Overview
Public scrutiny after the typhus outbreak reforms Lowood, where Jane studies six years and teaches two. When Miss Temple marries and departs, Jane’s restlessness returns; she advertises for a post and receives an offer from Mrs. Fairfax of Thornfield. With references secured, Bessie visits bearing Reed family news and a hint of an uncle, and Jane departs for Millcote.
Summary
Following the typhus devastation at Lowood, public inquiry exposes neglect, prompting reforms in site, diet, clothing, and governance. Mr. Brocklehurst remains treasurer but is checked by a committee. Jane stays eight years, rising from top pupil to teacher, and thrives under improved conditions.
Miss Temple, Jane’s guiding influence, marries and moves away, removing Jane’s emotional anchor. Jane recognizes a renewed hunger for change and freedom, concluding she must seek “a new servitude” beyond Lowood.
That night, Jane devises a practical plan to advertise for a governess post in the -shire Herald. She writes and mails the advertisement, then anxiously awaits replies. A week later, she receives a letter from Mrs. Fairfax of Thornfield, offering a position teaching one girl for thirty pounds, contingent on references.
Jane secures permission and testimonials from the Lowood committee; Mrs. Reed declines involvement beyond consent. Mrs. Fairfax accepts Jane’s references and sets a start date in a fortnight, and Jane prepares to leave Lowood.
On the eve of departure, Bessie—now Mrs. Leaven—visits with her son. She praises Jane’s accomplishments and reports Reed family news: Georgiana’s foiled elopement, Eliza’s strife with her sister, and John’s dissipation. Bessie also recalls a Mr. Eyre—likely Jane’s uncle—who once came seeking Jane before sailing to Madeira.
They part the next morning at Lowton. Jane boards the coach toward Millcote and Thornfield, resolved to begin new duties and a new life.
Who Appears
- Jane EyreNarrator; thrives at reformed Lowood, loses Miss Temple, seeks change, advertises, secures Thornfield post, and departs.
- Mrs. FairfaxElderly correspondent from Thornfield; offers Jane a governess position for one pupil at thirty pounds.
- Miss TempleJane’s mentor and solace; marries and leaves, catalyzing Jane’s restlessness and decision to move on.
- Mr. BrocklehurstLowood’s treasurer; public inquiry curtails his control as reforms improve the institution.
- Bessie (Mrs. Leaven)Former Gateshead servant; visits Jane with family news and mentions a possible Uncle Eyre.
- Miss GryceJane’s talkative roommate; her snoring finally lets Jane plan her advertisement.
- The superintendentNew Lowood head; mediates with the committee and facilitates Jane’s references.
- Mrs. ReedJane’s guardian; relinquishes oversight, allowing Jane to proceed with new employment.
- John ReedReported by Bessie as dissipated, disappointing his mother and wasting money.
- Georgiana ReedAdmired beauty; her elopement attempt with a young lord is foiled.
- Eliza ReedDiscovers Georgiana’s plan; now quarrels constantly with her sister.
- Mr. EyreLikely Jane’s paternal uncle; once sought her before sailing to Madeira.