Assignment 13

The fact that the family who takes Jane in is named Rivers is yet another apparent symbol/motif appearing in the book over and over again. It is a very symbolic name because the family took her in and nursed her back to life. Rivers are known to be fertile in life, hosting many opportunities for things to thrive in them. I believe this is a very good transition for Jane, allowing her time to heal both physically and emotionally. For the first time in her life, she is living with people who are at her social status and is able to relax, no longer having to act above or below anyone else. Jane’s new job as a teaching assistant is just right for her. Her pupils are very poor and mostly illiterate, which is something she is not used to. I think it will be a very humbling job for her, as well as rewarding. St. John seems to be the new mysterious man in Jane’s life, although not in the same context as Rochester. He is a quiet man who mostly keeps to himself, and is sometimes a bit harsh. He is a good man however, who has devoted his life to God and being a missionary.