Jane Eyre, Chapter 32 summary
Chapter 32 of 38 · 19 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 32, the narrator finds satisfaction in teaching but still suffers over Mr. Rochester, while her growing friendship with Rosamond Oliver draws her into St. John Rivers’s emotional struggle. He admits his love for Rosamond yet refuses to abandon his missionary calling, then secretly takes a strip from the narrator’s painting paper.
What happens
- The narrator discovers her pupils’ abilities, wins local affection, and balances useful daily work with painful dreams of Mr. Rochester.
- Rosamond Oliver visits the school and cottage, reveals her attraction to St. John Rivers, and asks the narrator to draw her.
- Mr. Oliver welcomes the narrator to Vale Hall and speaks respectfully about St. John’s family and profession.
- On November 5, St. John brings Marmion and encounters Rosamond’s portrait, prompting the narrator to urge him to marry her.
- St. John briefly indulges his romantic hopes, then insists that his religious mission matters more than marriage to Rosamond.
- Something on the narrator’s painting paper startles St. John; he removes a narrow strip and leaves without explaining.
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In this chapter
What to notice
St. John Rivers presents self-command and ambition as central to his character. This helps explain why acknowledged love does not change his chosen purpose.
Quick check
Why does St. John reject marriage to Rosamond?
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