Skip to the content
The Library
of Alexandria
Sign inTry 3 months free3 months free

Jane Eyre, Chapter 33 summary

Chapter 33 of 38 · 20 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 33, St. John Rivers reveals that Jane Eyre inherits twenty thousand pounds from her uncle and that he, Diana, and Mary are her cousins. Jane values this new family more than solitary wealth, insists on dividing the inheritance equally, and secures agreement through arbitration.

What happens

  1. St. John visits during a snowstorm and recounts Jane’s history, using her handwritten name to establish her identity.
  2. Jane asks urgently about Mr. Rochester, but St. John has no news of his condition or whereabouts.
  3. St. John announces that her uncle leaves her twenty thousand pounds, subject to proof of identity.
  4. Pressed to explain his involvement, St. John reveals that he and his sisters are Jane’s cousins.
  5. Jane insists on sharing equally, welcomes St. John as a brother, and agrees to teach until a replacement arrives.
  6. After resistance, her cousins accept arbitration, and documents arrange a comfortable share for each of the four.

Free for 3 months

Get the full summary of Jane Eyre: An Autobiography, free

  • 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
  • Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.

In this chapter

Jane EyreRochesterSt. John RiversDianaTheme: Belonging and family

What to notice

Jane explains why sharing matters more than keeping the entire fortune. Her decision joins financial independence to belonging and gratitude.

Quick check

How does St. John confirm that Jane Elliott is Jane Eyre?

Free for 3 months

Get the full summary of Jane Eyre: An Autobiography, free

  • 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
  • Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold

15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.

Try 3 months free