24

Character

Jane- sees through (at the beginning of the chapter) rose-tinted glasses, she is no longer plain.

Mrs Fairfax – Warns Jane about rushing into a marriage with Mr R, IS VERY WISE AND MOTHERLY IN DOING SO, WE KNOW THAT AT LEAST SHE HAS NO OTHER AGENDA THAN Jane’s Happiness, we rebuke Jane for not properly listening to what Fairfax has to say.

Jane tries to keep Mr R’s ‘extravagances’ to a minimum. Perhaps she does not want to go back to being financially dependant on anybody, or she doesn’t really believe that this is happening to her, or her doubts (and other people’s (adele and Mrs Fairfax)) are getting to her and making her more cautious in case the wedding never actually happens.

Interesting phrases/extracts

‘ “Human beings never enjoy complete happiness in this world.” ’ Jane does not want to raise her hopes, she will not accept happiness until it is completely assured.

‘ “I knew jealousy would be the best ally” ’ Mr R is not showing himself in a good light to Jane and, rightly she asks him whether he even thought of Ingram’s heart and happiness, although this does show how desperate he was in his love for Jane, although it doesn’t make Jane any more comfortable with it.