#9

This particular chapter is one of my favorites. Charlotte Bronte builds up the tension in this portion of the reading by giving the reader the fact that Grace Pool is in fact insane, but still leads on with the mystery of why Mr. Rochester keeps her. Bronte also gives the reader more hints on how Mr. Rochester and Jane’s relationship will progress. In this section of the book, Mr. Rochester begins to show Jane his real self, and even begins to show a softer more affectionate side to her. He begins calling her his “little friend” and even tells her that he wishes that they could run away to a secluded island, just the two of them. He begins confiding more in her. One night, after everyone has gone to bed, Jane awakes to screams and to her horror, finds that Grace Pool has attacked Mr. Mason, and stabbed and bit him. Everyone is in a frenzy and she is instructed to care for Mr. Mason while Mr. Rochester goes to fetch the surgeon. He tells her that everything is under control but she knows that there is something really peculiar as to why Grace, being the insane person that she is, is still allowed to live at Thornfield. After Jane tends to Mr. Mason, Mr. Rochester tells Jane a story of a man who wishes to marry this great girl who is different than tradition entails her to be, and after ask Jane if she would be there to talk to him about his marriage to Miss. Ingram, she says yes, leaving us to wonder exactly where their relationship is going, and whether it be a friendly or romantic one.