Jane Ellis Character Analysis in Lincoln in the Bardo

A woman who exists in the Bardo. Like many of the other souls in this realm, she makes her way to Willie’s crypt to tell him her story, eventually entreating him to check in on her three daughters if he’s allowed to return to the living world. Jane Ellis is one of the first people in Lincoln in the Bardo to depart, giving Willie—and readers—a glimpse of the “matterlightblooming phenomenon” for the first time.

Jane Ellis Character Timeline in Lincoln in the Bardo

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

Jane Ellis —a woman constantly surrounded by three “gelatinous orbs” that contain “a likeness of one of... (full context)

Jane Ellis continues telling Willie her story, saying that she had three children with her despicable husband.... (full context)

At this point, the Reverend interrupts to describe Jane Ellis ’s appearance. Sometimes, he explains, the three orbs that surround her with images of her... (full context)

As Mrs. Ellis ’s story ends, a cacophony of voices emerge, each one narrating snippets of their own... (full context)