Well, of course we are approaching the end of the book here in chapter 36, and Jane has matured into a model young woman (some critics say that she was ALWAYS a mature and model young woman). I thought it might be helpful to be more specific about chapter 36 instead of general about Jane's maturity. Much of the chapter really has to do with Jane learning what has happened to Rochester. Jane leaves for a while (after St. John departs). Her reasoning is thus:
[I am traveling for four days] to see or hear news of a friend about whom I had for some time been uneasy.
Of course, it is Rochester that Jane is going to see. Unfortunately, when she arrives, she finds that Thornfield is burned to a crisp. Jane is absolutely in panic mode as she tries to ask the local business owners what has happened. In the midst of it all, she learns that Bertha set fire to the building and then killed herself by jumping from the top. Rochester lives, however, and is residing at Ferndean. Rochester has supposedly had his hand amputated due to an injury and has been bruised up, but he is okay. Jane rushes to his side, bringing water to him on a tray when she is not "allowed" to be admitted. The reunion is so very touching:
"In truth?—in the flesh? My living Jane? . . . My living darling!” [To which Jane is pleased to reply,] “I am an independent woman now.” ... “Am I hideous, Jane?” Jane replies, “Very sir; you always were, you know.”
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