Jane’s Journey: Destination Reached

Danya Tribuna '19


In my last Pocket Change from the Jane Journey, Danya ’19 reflects on the opening sentence of Brontë’s novel and creates a piece for our times.

“There was no possibility of taking a walk that day.”

This opening line of Jane Eyre, reveals a timeless message in Brontë’s work; that a person seeking happiness must always search for a way to step forward through their life. While the rain may have posed a literal impediment in the beginning, taking walks was otherwise something that Jane did with great frequency throughout the novel. Within the plot, these “walks” come to symbolize Jane’s determination to improve her life, regardless of its difficulties—from the tragic loss of her parents and her youth as a neglected orphan at Gateshead, to her inconsolable heartbreak after leaving her beloved Mr. Rochester. She “walks” to find purpose in the world around her, seeking beauty in spite of hardship. Even while burdened by gender, class, and economic status, she never opts for conformity, or settled in defeat.

“I am not an angel, and I will not be one till I die. I will be myself.” — Jane Eyre

Rejecting discouragement, Jane perseveres, innately driven to find happiness in the world around her—an unknown concept, but one she is certain that she deserves:

“I remembered that the real world was wide, and that a varied field of hopes and fears of sensations and excitements, awaited those who had courage to go forth into its expanse." — Jane Eyre

Since the 19th century, the character of Jane Eyre has continued to inspire with her strength and resilience, embodying the notion that life’s finest moments are found in the steps we take. Steps toward solace, toward independence, and ultimately, toward happiness. This concept of Brontë’s remains especially relatable to readers today, particularly in such tumultuous times. “Taking a walk” still represents an opportunity to move beyond the present, beyond the limits imposed by others, and forces us to never become sedentary or passive.

While this class and this novel focus specifically on one unique journey, the overall message is larger, signifying the constant need for change and the everlasting importance of “taking a walk.” This opening line is intended to challenge readers, helping us understand that Jane’s “walk” was not impossible, simply daunting. Thus, Brontë’s message encourages us to move ourselves and our world forward, in spite of adversity, and even if it means we must walk in the rain.



The Cambridge School of Weston is a progressive high school for day and boarding students in grades 9–12 and PG. CSW's mission is to provide a progressive education that emphasizes deep learning, meaningful relationships, and a dynamic program that inspires students to discover who they are and what their contribution is to their school, their community and the world.