Jane Eyre, Chapter 26 summary
Chapter 26 of 38 · 18 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 26, Jane Eyre’s wedding stops when Briggs and Richard Mason reveal that Edward Fairfax Rochester already has a living wife, Bertha Antoinetta Mason, hidden at Thornfield Hall. Rochester confirms the truth and shows them Bertha; Jane withdraws to her room, where she recognizes that her trust is broken and she must leave his presence.
What happens
- Rochester hurries Jane to the church, where two strangers wait as the marriage service begins.
- Briggs interrupts the ceremony, and Richard Mason confirms that Rochester’s wife lives at Thornfield Hall.
- Rochester admits the charge and leads Jane, the lawyer, Mason, and the clergyman to Bertha’s room.
- Bertha attacks Rochester, who restrains her with Grace Poole’s help and asks the witnesses to judge his situation.
- Briggs explains that Jane’s letter reaches her sick uncle, whose request brings Mason and Briggs to prevent the marriage.
- Alone in her room, Jane removes her wedding dress, confronts her ruined hopes, and inwardly turns toward God.
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How does Jane’s uncle learn that her proposed marriage cannot be lawful?
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