"Farewell!" was the cry of my heart as I left him. Despair added, "Farewell for ever!"
Chapter 27 · Narrator
Context
Jane narrates the moment she leaves Rochester's room for the last time, describing her internal farewell.
Analysis
The line splits into two voices: 'the cry of my heart' says 'Farewell,' but then 'Despair' interrupts to add 'for ever.' By personifying Despair as a second speaker, Jane externalizes the finality she cannot fully accept—it is not *she* who believes this is permanent, but a darker voice inside her that pronounces the truth she is trying not to face. The exclamation marks give both phrases emotional force, but the second one ('for ever!') has the ring of a curse or a prophecy.
Essay Tip
Use this to argue that Jane's departure is not a moment of triumphant resolve but of anguish—Brontë uses personified Despair to show that leaving Rochester does not feel like freedom; it feels like loss.