JANE EYRE PLAY - Chanzy
JANE EYREBased on the novel byCharlotte BrontëAdapted for the stage byMark Jowett(c) 2009 Mark Jowett1
CHARACTERSActor AJane EyreActor BMrs FairfaxGrace PooleBerthaSilhouettein church(c) 2009 Mark Jowett2Actor CMr RochesterVoice ofmale servantGypsyfortuneteller(turning outto beRochester)
PrologueCreepy music, dry ice, eerie cackling, figures running around, a mad figurerunning loose, then others restraining her until she subsides Images on screen of countryside rolling past and the sound of a horse andcarriage on a journey JANE appears, at first silhouetted by the images,becoming increasingly lit as images of the journey fade behind her JANEWere I to tell you of my entire childhood, the writing of itwould fill a hundred pages. I will spare you my unhappyinfant years, unloved by the wife of my late uncle and I willnot dwell on my school days, which were harsh. Butimagine, dear audience, that I have survived these times,and have now decided to begin a journey, to take my firststeps in life as a young adult. I have just advertised myselfas a governess in the newspaper – and to my joy, I havereceived a reply. Imagine me now, on my journey to mynew employer, who remains, for a short while still,completely unknown to me. The trotting of hooves lulls meinto a slumber and I dream of what my future may bringme Fade to black. The hooves get louder at first; then fade out – to be replacedby the sound of a crackling fire.Scene 1MRS FAIRFAX is in a cosy parlour, knitting by the fireplace.MALE SERVANT’S VOICE (off stage)Will you come this way, ma’am?JANE enters. MRS FAIRFAX gets up and crosses the room to greet her.MRS FAIRFAXYou must be Jane Eyre! How do you do, my dear? Youmust have had a long journey.JANEMrs Fairfax, I suppose?MRS FAIRFAXThat’s right, dear. You must be very cold. Let me help youwith your coatJANEThank you.(c) 2009 Mark Jowett3
MRS FAIRFAXNow come over to the fire. One of the maids has prepareda drink for you.JANEThat is very kind.MRS FAIRFAX goes to a table where a drink is standing.JANEShall I have the pleasure of seeing Miss Fairfax tonight?MRS FAIRFAXWhat did you say, my dear? I am a little deaf.MRS FAIRFAX approaches Jane with the drink.JANEI was asking if I shall see Miss Fairfax tonight?MRS FAIRFAXMiss Fairfax? Oh, you mean Miss Varens! Adele Varens isthe name of your pupil.JANEShe is not your daughter?MRS FAIRFAXNo. I have no family. (Handing her the drink) Here you are.JANEThank you.MRS FAIRFAXDo you have family, Miss Eyre?JANENo. My parents died when I was very young.MRS FAIRFAXOh I am sorry to hear that. (Slight pause) Well I am gladyou have joined us. It will be most pleasant living here nowwith a companion. For several months, I felt quite alonemoving about in this empty house. But then the little girlarrived with her nurse and brightened up the placeimmensely – and now you are here, life will be verycheerful!(c) 2009 Mark Jowett4
JANEI am very happy to be here, Mrs Fairfax. I only hope mycompany will be agreeable.MRS FAIRFAXI have no doubt of that, my dear! But I'll not keep yousitting up tonight! You must be tired: I'll show you yourbedroom. I’ll just get a candle.MRS FAIRFAX exits.JANE (narrating)I had not expected such a friendly reception! I hadimagined that Mrs Fairfax would treat me like a servant.Instead I felt like a valued guest! My heart warmed to theworthy lady. She led the way up a staircase of dark oakand along a gloomy corridor. There was a chill in the airand I was glad to reach my room.Once inside my spirits were raised. My room was notgrand, but it was warm and friendly.A clock strikes twelve. Sounds and light suggest transition from night tofollowing morning.JANEI slept soundly that night and awoke to a bright day. Idressed quickly and stepped out into the sunlit garden.MRS FAIRFAX appears behind her.MRS FAIRFAXI see you are an early riser! How do you like Thornfield?JANEI like it very much!MRS FAIRFAXYes, it is a pretty place; but I fear it will be getting out oforder, unless Mr Rochester visits more often.JANEMr Rochester? Who is he?MRS FAIRFAXThe owner of Thornfield. Did you not know he was called(c) 2009 Mark Jowett5
Rochester?JANENo. I thought Thornfield belonged to you.MRS FAIRFAXTo me? Bless you, child; what an idea! I am only thehousekeeper.JANEAnd the little girl?MRS FAIRFAXAdele is Mr Rochester's ward.JANEIs she here?MRS FAIRFAXYes you will meet her soon. I hope you are more able thanI am to follow her speech.JANEIs she difficult to understand? Does she speak too softly?MRS FAIRFAXWhy no, my dear, far from it. But she does mix her Englishwith so many foreign words.JANEForeign words?MRS FAIRFAXDid I not say? Adele is French. Mr Rochester brought herover from France for her education.JANEAm I to start lessons with her today?MRS FAIRFAXPerhaps you could spend some time with her beforelunch. But first of all, why don’t I show you over the rest ofthe house?JANEI would like that!MRS FAIRFAXWell, let us begin with the dining-room.(c) 2009 Mark Jowett6
Sounds of the garden cross-fade to a clock ticking.JANEWhat a beautiful room!MRS FAIRFAXYes. I had to open the windows: Everything gets sodamp when rooms stay empty for a long time.JANEAnd is this the drawing room, through here?MRS FAIRFAXThat’s right, dear.JANEIn what order you keep these rooms! Anyone would thinkpeople came here every day.MRS FAIRFAXMr Rochester's visits here are rare – but they are oftensudden and unexpected; so I always keep these roomsready for his arrival.JANEIs Mr Rochester a demanding sort of man?MRS FAIRFAXNot particularly so; but he has a gentleman's tastes andhabits.JANEDo people like him, generally?MRS FAIRFAXOh, yes; the family have always been respected here.JANEBut do you like him? Is he liked for himself?MRS FAIRFAXI have no reason not to like him.JANEWhat sort of character does he have?MRS FAIRFAXOh. Impeccable. although. He is rather peculiar. Hehas travelled much and seen a great deal of the world(c) 2009 Mark Jowett7
and. I dare say he is clever, but I never had muchconversation with him.JANEHow is he peculiar?MRS FAIRFAXIt is not easy to describe. but you cannot always be surewhether he is in jest or serious, whether pleased ordispleased; you don't completely understand him – atleast, I don't. But it does not matter: he is a good master.(Pause) Let us go to the top of the house.JANE follows MRS FAIRFAX to another part of the stage. The lights dim tosuggest gloomy corridors.MRS FAIRFAXHere we are – the top floor.JANEDo the servants sleep in these rooms?MRS FAIRFAXNo; they have rooms at the back; no one sleeps here. Ifthere were a ghost at Thornfield, this would be its haunt.JANEBut there is no ghost?MRS FAIRFAXNo – but it is said the Rochesters have been quite violentin their time: perhaps that is why they rest tranquilly intheir graves now.JANE“After life's fitful fever they sleep well”.MRS FAIRFAX starts to move on.JANEWhere are you going now, Mrs. Fairfax?MRS FAIRFAXOnto the roof. Come and see the view.MRS FAIRFAX exits.(c) 2009 Mark Jowett8
JANE (narrating)I followed her through a trap-door to the roof. Lookingdown, I surveyed the grounds laid out like a map: thelawn, a field beyond, a wood, a nearby church and hillsframing the view. All was pleasing. But I wondered if Iwould ever discover what life was like beyond those hills –or if my role from now on was to be companion to ahousekeeper and governess to a little girl. if the lonelyrooms of Thornfield would be my entire world from nowon. I turned and went back down the ladder. Mrs Fairfaxstayed behind a moment to fasten the trap-door. In thecorridor below I could scarcely see anything ahead of me.All was dark after the dazzling sky above.As JANE moves along the dark corridor, we hear an unearthly laugh. JANEreacts with alarm. The laugh comes again. MRS FAIRFAX re-appears.JANEMrs Fairfax! Did you hear that laugh? Who is it?MRS FAIRFAXOne of the servants? Perhaps Grace Poole.JANEBut did you hear it?MRS FAIRFAXYes. I often hear her. She sews in one of these rooms.We hear the laugh once more, more faintly.MRS FAIRFAX (addressing a closed door)Too much noise, Grace! Remember directions! (Pause,change of mood) Well, let me take you to meet your pupil!MRS FAIRFAX leads the way. With a small shudder JANE takes one last lookat the door where the laugh came from. Then she hurries after MRSFAIRFAX. Once the stage is empty, we hear the laugh again. Fade to black.Scene 2Creepy music. On screen we see flowing red curtains, a book flying throughthe air. Eerie laughter blends in with stern voices – criticising JANE, andmocking her. Sounds of sobbing. Music reaches a crescendo and LIGHTSUP.(c) 2009 Mark Jowett9
JANE is fetching her coat, preparing to go outside. MRS FAIRFAX enters,holding a letter.MRS FAIRFAXAh there you are, Miss Eyre. All well, I trust?JANEYes, thank you – but I am afraid Adele has a cold.MRS FAIRFAXPoor thing! Is there anything—?JANEShe is fine. It is nothing too serious, and she is sitting bythe fire. I have given her her favourite doll to play with.MRS FAIRFAXThat was very thoughtful of you. She has grown very fondof you these past. three months? Is it that long already?JANEYes. And I am fond of her too! (Slight pause) Do you wishfor that letter to be posted? I could take it to the village foryou.MRS FAIRFAXThere’s no need to trouble yourself. Well, if you aresure. Thank you.MRS FAIRFAX hands the letter to JANE.MRS FAIRFAXAnd you, yourself. are well settled in here? Your room issatisfactory to your needs?JANEI am very comfortable there. It is true I had troubleddreams last night – but I was all the happier to be greetedby my friendly room this morning!MRS FAIRFAXThat is pleasing to hear. Though I am sorry to hear youwere troubled by nightmares. I hope you do not suffer fromthem frequently.JANENot too often, Mrs Fairfax.MRS FAIRFAX(c) 2009 Mark Jowett10
I, myself, have never experienced such a thing. I cannotimagine what it must be like.JANEWell I am glad you are spared them. I was. not alwayshappy in my childhood and. sometimes in my dreams, Ifeel I am there again. in a room with red curtains – Thewhole room is red, burning red, there is banging at thedoor. shouts and screams fill my head. And then itbecomes clear: I am the one banging at the door. I amthe one screaming. to be let out.The stage fades to red. MRS FAIRFAX remains still. Sounds of cries andbanging fade in. As the stage fades to black, a new sound blends in: thedrumming of hooves.Scene 3On the screen we see images of the countryside racing past, as if viewedfrom horseback. Then all goes black as we hear the horse neighing in alarm,the sound of man and horse crashing to the ground, and a dog barking.LIGHTS UP on ROCHESTER lying against a grassy bank in pain.ROCHESTERWhat the deuce am I to do now?JANE enters, sees the man and approaches.JANEAre you injured, sir?ROCHESTER curses under his breath, but gives no clear reply.JANECan I do anything?ROCHESTERJust stand to one sideROCHESTER attempts to rise, painfully, to his feet, then checks one foot as itfeels sprained.JANEIf you are hurt, I can fetch someone from the village.(c) 2009 Mark Jowett11
ROCHESTERThank you: I don’t have any broken bones, only a sprain Again ROCHESTER tries to stand properly – but finds it painful.JANEI will not leave you, sir, till I see you are fit to mount yourhorse.ROCHESTERShouldn’t you be at home yourself? Where are you fromand what are you doing out here alone?JANEFrom just below; and I am not afraid of being out alone. Ihave just been to the nearest village to post a letter andam now on my way back.ROCHESTERYou live just below Do you mean that house with thebattlements?JANEYes, sir. Thornfield Hall.ROCHESTERWhose house is it?JANEMr Rochester's.ROCHESTERDo you know this Mr Rochester?JANENo, I have never seen him.ROCHESTERWhy not?JANESince my time there, he has never visited.ROCHESTERDo you know where he is?JANENo, I don’t.(c) 2009 Mark Jowett12
ROCHESTERYou are not a servant at the hall?JANENo.ROCHESTERSo, you are ?JANEThe governess.ROCHESTERAh, the governess! I had almost forgotten! I will not askyou to fetch help, but you may help me yourself, if you willbe so kind.JANEYes, sir.ROCHESTERIf you would lead me to my horse JANELean on my shoulder, sir.ROCHESTERVery well He looks bemused for a moment; then does as she suggests. They exittogether. We hear his horse speeding off; then just the wind in the trees. JANEre-enters.JANEHe mounted his horse – and was gone! I was alone. Allthat remained was to return to Thornfield. and yet. I wasfilled with a sense of loss. For one brief moment I had feltsuch excitement. All too briefly! And I feared it wouldbecome all too soon a distant memory.We have the impression of her returning home and removing her coat. MRSFAIRFAX comes in to fetch her knitting.MRS FAIRFAXAh there you are Miss Eyre! I was beginning to worryabout you. There was no difficulty with posting the letter?JANE(c) 2009 Mark Jowett13
None at all, Mrs Fairfax. Thank you for your concern. Myjourney took. a little longer than expected, that is all. Dowe have guests? I saw the stable boy with a differenthorse MRS FAIRFAXNot a guest, Miss Eyre. The owner! Mr Rochester hasreturned. But there has been an accident. Just near here,his horse slipped, and the master has injured his ankle.The doctor has been called.JANEOh, I see.!MRS FAIRFAXI beg your pardon?JANEI mean – that is why the boy was with a different horse!MRS FAIRFAXYes indeed! Now, where did I put my knitting.?JANEOver there – on that chair.MRS FAIRFAXOh goodness me! I have just walked past it! I hope I amnot becoming blind as well as deaf. Well, Mr Rochesterhas no further need of me this evening, so I shallwithdraw. Good night, Miss Eyre.JANEGood night.MRS FAIRFAX exits, leaving JANE alone, flushed with excitement. She goes tofetch a lantern and for the first time sees a cane on the table. She picks it upand examines it with wonder. Then she replaces it as she found it and exits withthe lantern. Fade to black.Scene 4Images of time passing, leaves blowing, curtains billowing and an old clockticking.LIGHTS UP on JANE in her room, lost in thought. MRS FAIRFAX arrives at herdoor.(c) 2009 Mark Jowett14
MRS FAIRFAXI hope I am not disturbing you, but. Mr Rochester wouldlike you to take tea with him in the drawing-room.JANEWhen is his tea-time?MRS FAIRFAXOh, immediately: he keeps early hours in the country.JANEIs it necessary to change my frock?MRS FAIRFAXNo. But.You want a brooch, perhaps.JANEOh. I have one here.MRS FAIRFAXOh, yes. Very pretty. Let me help you.MRS FAIRFAX helps JANE attach the brooch, then leads her to the drawingroom, where ROCHESTER is seated with his leg up. At first, ROCHESTERpays no attention to JANE.MRS FAIRFAXHere is Miss Eyre, sir.ROCHESTERLet Miss Eyre be seated.Unfazed, JANE sits down. An awkward silence follows.MRS FAIRFAXIt is unfortunate that you had to see so many visitors today– suffering as you are with that sprain. I fear it must bevery painful.ROCHESTERYou need not fear too much, Mrs Fairfax. No doubt I willsurvive the evening at least.MRS FAIRFAXStill, to go through the whole day without thought to yourown suffering—ROCHESTER(c) 2009 Mark Jowett15
Madam, I should like some tea.MRS FAIRFAXOh, yes of course! One moment.MRS FAIRFAX exits, a little flustered. ROCHESTER looks at JANE for the firsttime. She looks back coolly, unflustered.ROCHESTERHow do you find the girl?JANEAdele? Oh – she is doing well enough.ROCHESTERWell enough, eh? If you have succeeded in getting her tostudy at all, then I commend you. The child is monstrouslyspoilt. She has already discovered that I have broughtback a present for her and will not stop pestering me untilshe has opened it. (A beat) Did you expect a present, MissEyre? Are you fond of presents?JANEI hardly know, sir; I have little experience of them: theyare generally thought pleasant things.ROCHESTERGenerally thought? But what do you think?JANEI should need time, sir, before I could give you a worthyanswer: a present has many faces to it, has it not?ROCHESTERMiss Eyre, you beat about the bush.JANEBecause I have less confidence in my deserts thanAdele: she can prefer the claim of old acquaintance, andsays you have always given her playthings; but I havedone nothing to entitle me to a gift.ROCHESTEROh, don't fall back on over-modesty! I have examinedAdele, and find you have taken great pains with her: sheis not bright; yet in a short time she has made muchimprovement.JANE(c) 2009 Mark Jowett16
Sir, you have now given me my present. There is nothingthat I should wish for more than praise of my pupil’sprogress.ROCHESTERHumph!MRS FAIRFAX comes back in with a tray and things for tea. She proceeds toarrange the cups, spoons, &c., with assiduous celerity.MRS FAIRFAXWill you hand Mr Rochester's cup?JANE takes the cup from MRS FAIRFAX and passes it to ROCHESTER. Thereis a brief moment between them, then JANE returns to her seat. MRS FAIRFAXpasses JANE a cup, then sits further away with her knitting.ROCHESTERYou have been here for three months?JANEYes, sir.ROCHESTREAnd you came from--?JANELowood school.ROCHESTERAh! How long were you there?JANEEight years.ROCHESTEREight years! No wonder you have the look of anotherworld. I marvelled where you had got that sort offace. When you appeared last night, I had half a mind todemand whether you had bewitched my horse to make mefall.MRS FAIRFAX stops knitting for a moment, bemused by this unexpected turnin the conversation.ROCHESTERWho are your parents?(c) 2009 Mark Jowett17
JANEI have none.ROveROveI
MRS FAIRFAXThat was very false economy.ROCHESTERWas that the worst of his failings?JANENo. (Pause) He told the younger children chilling tales ofsudden deaths and made them afraid to go to bed. Whenhe was in charge of kitchen supplies he starved us. Luckilya committee was formed in my later years, after whichconditions improved considerably.ROCHESTERHow old are you now?JANEEighteen, sir.ROCHESTERFor one so young, there is much experience to read onyour face. What did you learn at Lowood? Can you playthe piano?JANEA little.ROCHESTERWe shall see if that is the case by and by. Adele showedme some sketches this morning, which she said wereyours. I don't know whether they were entirely your work;probably a master aided you?JANENo, indeed!ROCHESTERAh! That pricks your pride. Well, fetch me your portfolio, ifyou can vouch for its contents being original.JANEYou shall judge for yourself, sir.ROCHESTER scrutinises each painting.ROCHESTERYou appear to have taken much time with them, and somethought. Where did you copy these from?(c) 2009 Mark Jowett19
JANEOut of my head.ROCHESTERThat head I see on your shoulders?JANEYes, sir.ROCHESTERAre there more subjects like this in that head?JANEI think so: I hope it will yield better subjects.ROCHESTERIn this picture with the clouds – I feel as if the wind really isblowing through them as we speak. You use watercolours?JANEYes sir.ROCHESTERSome of these are rather, macabre. You must have somedark thoughts inside that head. Were you happy whenyou painted these?JANEI was absorbed, sir: yes, I was happy. To paint them wasone of the greatest pleasures I have known.ROCHESTERThat is not saying much. Your pleasures, by your ownaccount, have been few. You did these while at school?JANEYes, during a summer vacation.ROCHESTERThey are, for a schoolgirl, peculiar.ROCHESTER consults his watch, and gets up, holding Jane’s portfolio.ROCHESTERWell, now I wish you good-night. I will take these with me– if I may.JANE(c) 2009 Mark Jowett20
By all means.MRS FAIRFAX gathers her knitting. She and JANE curtsey, receiving a frigidbow in return. ROCHESTER exits. JANE and MRS FAIRFAX hover for amoment before going out.JANEYou said Mr Rochester was not especially peculiar.MRS FAIRFAXWell, is he?JANEI think so: he is very changeful and abrupt.MRS FAIRFAXNo doubt he may appear so to a stranger, but I am soaccustomed to his manner, I never think of it; and then, ifhe has peculiarities of temper, allowance should be made.JANEWhy, may I ask?MRS FAIRFAXPartly because it is his nature; and partly perhaps becausehe has painful thoughts.JANEPainful thoughts? What about?MRS FAIRFAXOh. About his brother, who died a few years ago.JANEHis brother?MRS FAIRFAXYes. The present Mr Rochester has been the owner fornine years.JANENine years is a long time. Was he so fond of his brotheras to be still inconsolable?MRS FAIRFAXNo, I believe there were some misunderstandingsbetween them. They say his elder brother, Mr Rowlandprejudiced his father against him. The old gentleman leftThornfield to Mr Rowland, but was anxious that Mr Edward(c) 2009 Mark Jowett21
should have enough money, too. It appears that, once MrEdward was old enough, his father and elder brothertook. certain steps. that were. not quite fair. in orderto arrange an income for Mr Edward. Later, Mr Edward feltthat they had brought him into a painful position and neverforgave them. What the precise nature of that position wasI never clearly knew, but for many years now, he has ledan unsettled life. He hasn’t stayed at Thornfield for morethan a fortnight, since he inherited the estate. No wonderhe shuns the place.JANEWhy should he shun it?MRS FAIRFAX (suddenly evasive)Perhaps he thinks it gloomy.JANEA few more visitors would solve that – as you haveexperienced yourself.MRS FAIRFAXIndeed, although I do not know if we should be comparingmy needs with those of Mr Rochester. Well, if you do notmind, Miss Eyre, I shall take my knitting to the parlour. Inever feel this room gets warm enough!JANEOf course, Mrs Fairfax. Do not trouble yourself with thetray. I will take it back.MRS FAIRFAX exits with her knitting. JANE lingers and surveys thescene of her conversation with Rochester. She takes it all in for amoment, then picks up the tea tray. On her way out she pauses at theplace where Rochester was sitting.JANE (to herself)Peculiar, indeed!JANE exits. BLACKOUTInsert short grace poole section here/// looking for schoolbooks.?Scene 5A clock strikes somewhere in the house. JANE enters (it is a few weeks later)but ROCHESTER doesn’t get up or turn to look.ROCHESTER(c) 2009 Mark Jowett22
Is that you, Miss Eyre?JANE does not respond straight away, so that ROCHESTER goes to theextreme effort of turning and seeing her.ROCHESTERI see that it is. Come and be seated. Draw your chairforward. (Pause) You examine me, Miss Eyre. Do youthink me handsome?JANENo, sir.ROCHESTERBy my word! There is something singular about you. Youlook so quiet and serious sitting there, but when I ask youa question, you give an immediate reply, which, if notblunt, is at least brusque. What do you mean by it?JANESir, I beg your pardon. I ought to have said that beauty isof little consequence, or something of that sort.ROCHESTERYou ought to have replied no such thing. Beauty of littleconsequence, indeed! And so, under pretence ofsoftening the previous outrage, you stick a needle into me!JANEMr Rochester, allow me to disown my first answer: it wasonly a blunder.ROCHESTERJust so. When I was your age, I was not so different fromyou: I was considerate enough to the unlucky; but Fortunehas knocked me about since: and now I am hard andtough as an India-rubber ball; pervious, though, through achink or two still, with one sentient point in the middle.Does that leave hope for me?JANEHope of what, sir?ROCHESTEROf a re-transformation from India-rubber back to flesh?JANEForgive me. I do not know what answer to make to yourquestion (c) 2009 Mark Jowett23
ROCHESTERYes: You look very puzzled, Miured with thegreatest number?JANEThe eagerness of a listener quickens the tongue of anarrator.GYPSY WOMANEagerness of a listener! Yes; Mr Rochester was willing toapproach those lips and looked grateful for the pastimegiven him.JANEGrateful! I cannot remember detecting gratitude in hisface.GYPSY WOMANAnd what did you detect, if not gratitude? You havedetected love: have you not? And, looking forward, youhave seen him standing beside his happy bride?JANEI came here to inquire, not to tell another’s fortune. Is itknown, then, that Mr Rochester is to be married?GYPSY WOMANYes; to the beautiful Miss Ingram.JANESoon?GYPSY WOMANIt would appear so. No doubt they will be a happy pair. Hemust love such a beautiful, accomplished lady; andprobably she loves him, or at least his purse. I know of her(c) 2009 Mark Jowett44
interest in the Rochester estate; though I advised her hisfortune was far lower than she expected – which made herlook most grave. I fear Mr Rochester may yet lose her to aricher suitor!JANEBut I came to hear my own fortune, not Mr Rochester’s;and you have told me nothing.GYPSY WOMANYour fortune is yet doubtful: when I examined your face,one part contradicted another. Chance has given you ameasure of happiness. But you need to stretch out yourhand, and take it up. Will you do so?JANEWhat do you see?GYPSY WOMANThe flame flickers in the eye; the eye looks full of feeling;but it turns from me. The mouth should speak much andsmile often. I see no enemy to your good fortune except inthe brow; which seems to say, 'I can live alone, if needed.I have an inward treasure within, which can keep me aliveif all external delights should be withheld. Reason sits firm,and will not let the feelings have their way. The passionsmay rage furiously: but judgment shall still have the lastword. My harvest must be in smiles, in sweet— That willdo. I rave in exquisite delirium. Rise, Miss Eyre: the play isplayed out!JANE is startled, as the old woman’s voice seems changed during the last fewwords. The figure pulls back the bonnet to reveal – ROCHESTER.ROCHESTERWell, Jane, do you know me?JANEPerhaps you should take off the cloak now, sir.ROCHESTERYes I would – but the string is in a knot. Help me.JANE helps untangle the knot. ROCHESTER casts off the cloak.ROCHESTERThere, off with you!JANE(c) 2009 Mark Jowett45
What a strange idea, sir!ROCHESTERBut well carried out, eh? Don't you think?JANEWith the ladies you must have managed well.ROCHESTERBut not with you?JANEYou did not act the character of a gypsy with me.ROCHESTERWhat character did I act? My own?JANENo; some unaccountable one. I believe you have beentrying to draw me out; you have been talking nonsense tomake me talk nonsense. It is scarcely fair, sir.ROCHESTERDo you forgive me, Jane?JANEI cannot tell. I shall try to forgive you; but it was not right.ROCHESTERHow very correct and sensible of you!JANEI have your permission to retire now? It must be neareleven o'clock.ROCHESTERNever mind. Stay a moment. What have you been doingduring my absence?JANETeaching Adele as usual.ROCHESTERAnd getting a good deal paler than you were. What is thematter?JANENothing at all. I am tired, sir.ROCHESTER(c) 2009 Mark Jowett46
And a little depressed. But what about?JANENothing, sir. I am not depressed.ROCHESTERYes you are: so depressed that a few more words wouldbring tears to your eyes. If I had time, my little friend, Iwould love to know what all this means. If only I could beon some quiet island with only your company – and allmy. hideous memories taken away. Well, I will let yougo now – but I may yet ask you to join me and the gueststomorrow. Now go. Good-night, my—ROCHESTER bites his lip, and exits abruptly.Scene 11On screen we see the moon appear behind the clouds, the moonlit garden,the moonlit facade of the austere building, then the moon through a bedroomwindow, curtains fluttering. Suddenly we hear a piercing scream and a man’syell of pain. LIGHTS UP on ROCHESTER sitting at one end of the stage, halfturned away from the audience, hunched over and still. MRS FAIRFAX andJANE enter urgently carrying candles from the other side.MRS FAIRFAXHe said to call you straight away. There has been somesort of accident. He asked for your help particularly.JANEIs he hurt?MRS FAIRFAXI do not know, dear, he has not let me approach him, andit is best not to oppose his wishes. I have placed thethings he requested on the table.ROCHESTERMrs Fairfax, have you not brought her yet?MRS FAIRFAXWe are here now, sir. (To JANE) I had better withdraw. Heasked you tend to him alone.JANEThank you, Mrs Fairfax.MRS FAIRFAXOh! I nearly forgot! This came for you today: I meant togive it to you earlier!(c) 2009 Mark Jowett47
JANEThank you.MRS FAIRFAX hands JANE a letter, then exits. JANE looks at the envelope,bemused, but stows it and takes a step towards ROCHESTER.JANEMr Rochester? You asked to see me? Can I help in someway?ROCHESTERYes, Jane, you can. But – before you come any closeranswer me something. You don't turn sick at the sight ofblood?JANEI do not think so.ROCHESTERGive me your hand.JANE approaches, still from behind. ROCHESTER reaches backwards,without looking and takes her hand.ROCHESTERGood. Warm and steady. Approach then.ROCHESTER turns in his chair and JANE moves round to the other side andsets her candle on the table, which also has a bowl, a sponge and bandages.One of ROCHESTER’s sleeves has been rolled up as far as it will go. His armis covered in blood.JANEOh! You have been wounded!ROCHESTERA mere scratch! I just need you to help clean it. Take thesponge from there to clean away the blood. That’s it. Didany of the guests wake at the noise?JANESome did, sir, but Mrs Fairfax explained to them that oneof the servants had cried out in her sleep. I passed on thesame explanation to others I saw. They have all returnedto their rooms.(c) 2009 Mark Jowett48
ROCHESTERVery good. You both did very well.JANEThis does not appear like a normal scratch. It looks as ifsomething has bitten you. But I’ll warrant the dog did notdo this.ROCHESTERNo, indeed not. Would to God there was an end of all this!JANEWas it. Grace Poole? Is she here? In the next room?ROCHESTERDo not be alarmed! The door is securely locked! Now begood
JANE Shall I have the pleasure of seeing Miss Fairfax tonight? MRS FAIRFAX What did you say, my dear? I am a little deaf. MRS FAIRFAX approaches Jane with the drink. JANE I was asking if I shall see Miss Fairfax tonight? MRS FAIRFAX Miss Fairfax? Oh, you mean Miss Varens! Adele Varens is the name of your pupil. JANE She is not your daughter .
Day 1: Read the Introduction to Jane Eyre in this guide, then read Jane Eyre, chapters 1-3. Day 2: Read Jane Eyre, chapter 4. Day 3: Complete the After You Read narration and discussions. Section 2: Jane at Lowood, Chapters 5-10 Day 4: Read Jane Eyre, chapters 5 and 6. Day 5: Read Jane Eyre, chapters 7 and 8. Day 6: Read Jane Eyre, chapters .
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte This eBook was produced by David Price, email ccx074@coventry.ac.uk Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte PREFACE A preface to the first edition of "Jane Eyre" being unnecessary, I gave none: this second edition demands a few words both of acknowledgment and miscellaneous remark.
6 A Teacher's Guide to the Signet Classics Edition of Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre CHARACTERS IN JANE EYRE Miss Abbot: The maid at Gateshead (25). Mr. Briggs: The attorney of Jane's Uncle who helps Mr. Mason prevent Jane's wedding to Rochester and ultimately informs her of her inheritance (388). Mr. Brocklehurst: The "treasurer and manager" of the Lowood School (50) who
Jane Eyre. Characterization . Jane Eyre: An orphan since early childhood, Jane feels exiled and ostracized at . ice, and snow. Marriage with Rochester represents the abandonment of principle for the consummation of . a fire one night, which he claims was started by a drunken servant named Grace Poole. But because Grace Poole continues to .
Jane Eyre Jane Eyre, first published in 1847, is a classic, one of the most popular novels in English literature. It is the story of an orphan who grows up in strict Victorian society and becomes a governess, working for a man with whom she gradually falls in love. However, when Rochester decides to marry Jane, it is revealed that he has a .
This story, Jane Eyre, is a Mid-frequency Reader and has been adapted to suit readers with a vocabulary of 4000 words. It is available in three versions of different difficulty. This version is adapted from the Project Gutenberg version. It was adapted by Sarah Davey. PREFACE A preface to the first edition of "Jane Eyre" being unnecessary, I gave
Jane Eyre. LiuChunling (School of Foreign Languages, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430024, China) Abstract: Jane Eyre . is a famous masterpiece of Charlotte Bronte. The novel's literary achievement is immortal, especially the brilliant language. The description not only brings readers aesthetic pleasure but also hint the fate
words, an asset management company’s present value of fee income equals its current assets under management. Of course, realistic active investment strategies (i.e. those that deviate from market weights) will exhibit capacity limits. If too many investors follow a given strategy, returns will decline and clients will eventually leave. Infinite growth is clearly unrealistic, and models built .
