In the later chapters of Jane Eyre, St. John returns to Cambridge to say goodbye to his friends before leaving on his mission trip to India. Cambridge is mentioned three times when referring to John–reiterating Bronte’s emphasis on the importance of education and her respect for education in general. 

            According to the Encyclopædia Britannica, Cambridge University was founded in 1209 and then “formal[ly recognized]...by Pope John XIII…in 1319.” Cambridge University was a well-respected institution during Charlotte Bronte’s time. According to MAR Tuker, “the discoveries of world-wide importance have been the work of Cambridge men—such were the three which revolutionised the science of the world, the laws of the circulation of the blood, of gravitation, of evolution” (385). Cambridge also has one of the largest libraries in the world, with over “three million” books in print–with “a copy of every book published in Great Britian” (Encyclopædia Britannica). In the final chapter of Jane Eyre, Jane describes St. John as “firm, faithful, and devoted, full of energy, and zeal, and truth, he labours for his race…” (402). All of these descriptions help paint the perfect picture of Cambridge during this time period–a well known, highly regarded institution where great men emerged as scholars, philosophers, doctors, and theologians. Although Jane was met with opposition when she refused John’s proposal, she continued to care for him, even after her marriage to Rochester. In her eyes, he was almost saint-like–an educated, “ambitious…master-spirit” (402). She revered him and his dedication to his spiritual calling. Jane’s own experience with teaching and attending school provides insight into education’s importance in the novel as well. 

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. W.W. Norton and Company, 2016. 

"Cambridge." Britannica Academic, Encyclopædia Britannica, 2 Jul. 2019. academic-eb-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/levels/collegiate/article/Cambridge/18772. Accessed 30 Jan. 2022.

Cambridge, University of. image. Britannica Academic, Encyclopædia Britannica, 13 Nov. 2021. academic-eb-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/levels/collegiate/assembly/view/118704. Accessed 30 Jan. 2022.

Tuker. (1922). Cambridge. A. & C. Black ltd.