As Jane and Rochester’s relationship develops, it is clear to see the complexities that will follow through the deep emotional connections made. After helping Rochester with his horse accident, their relationship begins, and in-depth discussions follow. Despite missing the privilege of being surrounded by Ms. Temple and conversing about many topics, she now finds pleasure in discoursing with Mr. Rochester about class, sin, forgiveness, as he states his desire for an “angel” to save him. As if it was manifested, Jane becomes an “angel” as she saved him from a fire thought to be started by the mysterious Ms. Poole. As Rochester expresses his gratitude to Jane as he claims, “I have the pleasure in owing you an immense a debt,” his allusions to her angel-like qualities impose this resurgence of religion to the heroic Dona Beatriz. Dona Beatriz was a religious leader in the Congo in the 17th century, born into the civil war. In many ways, Dona Beatriz parallels Jane Eyre and her angel-like-ability as she served as a savior for the Congo. Dona Beatriz attempted to prevent Portuguese interaction/intervention out of fear that they would enslave many-- which they did. Beatriz’s heroic attempts to save her people ultimately did not succeed as she was killed by the Portuguese, but her valiance did not go unnoticed as she became a Christ-like figure. Although Dona is a much more impactful figure, Jane and Dona hold this angel-like resemblance to each other as they attempt to help and save others.

Throughout my reading of Jane Eyre, one of the things I have been most impressed with is Jane’s character development. What I appreciated most about her development is despite changing certain traits and aspects of her character, she always remains true to her morals and beliefs. This progression is most evident through her newfound self-control when considering how understandably and justifiably emotionally reactive she was at Gateshead. When Jane heard of the news that Ms. Reed had a stroke, she went back to visit the Gateshead manor. She learned that Ms. Reed didn’t give her a letter from her uncle, who wanted to adopt Jane, meaning Jane would be the benefactor of his immense wealth because she hated Jane and how she retaliated against the abuse and torture of the Reed household. While this news would be infuriating to almost anyone, rather than getting upset, Jane apologized for her ways when she was younger. This action demonstrated her progression and maturation as a human being and demonstrated her “Way Too Big” mentality. This “Way Too Big” mentality is detailed in revolutionary Afrofusion artist Burna Boy’s new song “Way Too Big” on his most recent album “Twice As Tall,” which came out in 2020. In the chorus of this hit song, Burna sings, “Because I'm way too big--Way too big to be fucking with you--To be fucking with you, mmm--Because I'm way too smart--Way too smart to be falling in your trap--Fucking with you, mmm--Because I'm way too cool--Way too cool to be losing my cool” detailing that now he has improved too much to give you your desired reaction. Burna’s mentality of improvement and progression is shared by Jane Eyre and is conveyed in her final interaction with Ms. Reed as she takes the high road, which is the ultimate materialization of her improvements throughout her life.

https://youtu.be/wy_j--ljb9w

Chapter 38, titled “Conclusion,” begins with one of the most famous lines of Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre “Reader, I married him” (Bronte 427), creating the dawn of the conclusion of Jane and Rochester’s relationship and ultimately this novel. Weirdly enough, the reason this line drew my interest was not because of the announcement of their marriage but because throughout the novel I noticed Charlotte Bronte’s tendencies towards the completion of character development. One thing I have always disliked about many books is the general underdevelopment of many characters who play important roles in the novel but aren’t considered significant characters. Still, contrary to many authors, Bronte developed these characters past their “prime” importance in the novel, which filled many potential questions that would distract from the meaning and morals of Jane Eyre. Throughout the novel, there were many examples of the completion of characters, such as the visit to Gateshead, where we discovered John Reed’s death, the death of the evil Miss Reed after her continual neglect of Jane, and the failed potential of Eliza and Georgiana living pathetic lives. Although the vital aspect of that visit was to unveil Jane’s uncle, who intends to have Jane as the only benefactor of his will, the overwhelmingly disappointing lives of the Reed family is also critical because it only emphasizes Jane’s success as an independent woman, which implicitly furthered and strengthened Bronte’s ideology presented throughout the novel. In chapter 38, Rochester’s renewed sight serves to complete his character as it demonstrates how he has redeemed himself and his previous faults, contrasting with St. John’s imminent death during his missionary work in India. Rather than focusing on Jane and Rochester’s marriage chapter 38, is used to conclude many characters like Diana and Mary Rivers, but there was a massive emphasis on St. John and his work in India. This conclusion of St. John just reiterates and reinforces that Jane made the right decision in going back to Mr. Rochester as she wouldn’t have been able to grow into potential as a feminist protagonist with St. John.