When he said "go," I went; "come," I came; "do this," I did it. But I did not love my servitude: I wished, many a time, he had continued to neglect me.
Chapter 34 · Narrator
Context
Jane describes her complete obedience to St. John's commands during this period, emphasizing that her compliance was external only—internally she resented the control he exercised.
Analysis
The anaphoric repetition of command-and-response ('go... went; come... came; do this... did it') mimics the mechanical rhythm of obedience itself, making Jane sound like an automaton. But the pivot to 'But I did not love my servitude' breaks the pattern, asserting an inner life that her outward behavior conceals. The word 'servitude' is blunt—Jane refuses to prettify her condition as partnership or mentorship.
Essay Tip
Support a thesis that Jane's narration preserves her selfhood even when her actions suggest submission—by naming her obedience as 'servitude,' she denies St. John the interpretation that would make her compliance seem willing.