Jane Character Analysis in Reckoning

Jane, an independent and artsy college classmate, is Magda’s first girlfriend. Since Magda has yet to come out about her sexuality when they start dating, Magda and Jane’s relationship is marked by jealousy and insecurity. Jane stops writing to Magda after Magda abruptly leaves for Europe. Though they never get back together, the two remain friends and start a small band together.

Jane Character Timeline in Reckoning

The timeline below shows where the character Jane appears in Reckoning. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...lesbian sexual experience with a worker at Matilda, but meanwhile she is in love with Jane, a girl in her philosophy class. Jane, who works at a psychiatric hospital and lives... (full context)

When Magda falls in love with Jane, a “riot” of repressed feelings erupt. Magda’s insecurities lead her to fear that Jane, who... (full context)

...opens a book, voices in her head bark like rabid dogs. Magda is afraid that Jane will see the “mad motor” that drives her mind; she drops out of college, asks... (full context)

...day of her flight, Magda’s parents come to help her pack. Magda’s abrupt departure shocks Jane. The two share a covert kiss downstairs; secretly, Magda hopes that her absence will make... (full context)

Morality, Survival, and Perspective Theme Icon

...Magda overhears Andrzej discuss risky communism rebellions with relatives. In a response to Magda’s letters, Jane writes that Magda seems hysterical. Magda, who believes in socialism, is shaken to see her... (full context)

...and makes friends, but depression soon spoils her time there; having received no letters from Jane, she worries that her departure broke their relationship irreparably. In Malaysia (her layover on her... (full context)

...parents are happy to see her, but her adventure fades as suburban life takes over. Jane doesn’t take Magda back and Magda’s heart slowly breaks; she dyes her hair black, raids... (full context)

After a while, Magda and Jane settle into a friendship; they and some other friends start a band called Uncle Torquemada,... (full context)

In 1988, Magda, Marg, and Jane are offered roles on a new show, Fast Forward. Although Magda fears being in the... (full context)