Much has been made of the scene in chapter 12 when Jane meets Rochester. Why do you think Brontë chose to follow her “manifesto” on the third floor balcony with the scene of Jane and Rochester’s meeting? (Skip this part of the prompt if nothing occurs to you.) Describe the imagery of the scene on Hay Lane (when they meet). How does the imagery (fairies, witchcraft, moonlight) affect your reading of the scene and their meeting? What might be the symbolism of Rochester falling off his horse and needing Jane to help him?

The scene with Rochester falling off of his horse and Jane helping him in chapter 12, I believe is symbolism for his actual need for her and for a good woman in his life. He needs the physical and emotional aspects of having a woman to love and be loved by. I’m thinking that, also, this scene could possibly be a foreshadow of the ways they help each other through out the rest of the novel. Perhaps this is just the beginning of her helping him and him helping her; they might become friends and have needs from one another met.