Reading Questions
1. What is the balance of power between Jane and Rochester when they marry? Does this balance change from the beginning of the marriage to the time ten years later that Jane describes at the end of the novel?
2. In a romantic relationship, does one partner inevitably dominate the other?
3. Should an individual who holds a position of authority be granted the respect of others, regardless of his or her character?
4. In Jane Eyre, nothing can better show a man's moral worth than the way in which he treats the women in his life. How is Rochester's character reflected in the way he treats Jane, Adele, Bertha Mason, and Miss Ingram, and in his reported treatment of Celine Varens? How is St. John's character reflected in the way he treats Jane, Miss Oliver, and Diana and Mary? Why does this serve as such a good gauge of a man's morality and worth? What other relationships serve similar functions in the novel?
5. Throughout the novel, questions of identity are raised. From her identity as an orphan and stranger in the hostile environment of Gateshead Hall to that of a ward of the church at Lowood; from her being a possible wife of Rochester, then of St. John, to being the cousin of Diana and Mary, Jane is constantly in transition. Trace these changes in identity and how they affect Jane's view of herself and the world around her. Describe the final discovery of her identity that becomes apparent in the last chapter of the novel and the events that made that discovery possible.
6. Throughout the novel, Charlotte Brontë uses biblical quotes and religious references. From the church-supported school she attended that was run by Mr. Brocklehurst to the offer of marriage she receives from St. John, she is surrounded by aspects of Christianity. How does this influence her throughout her development? How do her views of God and Christianity change from her days as a young girl to the end of the novel? How is religion depicted in the novel, positively or negatively?
7. Many readers of Jane Eyre feel that the story is composed of two distinct parts, different in tone and purpose. The first part (chapters 1-11) concerns her childhood at Gateshead and her life at Lowood; the second part is the remainder of the story. Is creating such a division justified? Is there a genuine difference of tone and purpose between the two sections as they have been described? Some critics and readers have suggested that the first part of Jane Eyre is more arresting because it is more directly autobiographical. Do you find this to be true?
8. Upon publication, great speculation arose concerning the identity of the author of Jane Eyre, known only by the pen name Currer Bell. Questions as to the sex of the author were raised, and many critics said that they believed it to be the work of a man. One critic of her time said, "A book more unfeminine, both in its excellence and defects, it would be hard to find in the annals of female authorship. Throughout there is masculine power, breadth and shrewdness, combined with masculine hardness, coarseness, and freedom of expression." Another critic of the day, Elizabeth Rigby, said that if it was the product of a female pen, then it was the writing of a woman "unsexed." Why was there such importance placed on the sex of the author and why was it questioned so readily? What does it mean that people believed it to be the product of a man rather than of a woman?
9. Scenes of madness and insanity are among the most important plot devices in Jane Eyre. From the vision Jane sees when locked in the bedroom at Gateshead to her hearing the "goblin laughter" she attributes to Grace Poole, to the insanity and wretchedness of Bertha Mason, madness is of central importance to the plot and direction of the story. Give examples of madness in the text, and show how they affect the reader's understanding of the character experiencing the madness and how these examples affect the reader's understanding of the characters witnessing it.
10. There is probably no single line in the whole of Jane Eyre that has, in itself, attracted as much critical attention as the first line of the last chapter: "Reader, I married him." Why is the phrasing of this line so important? How would the sense be different-for the sentence and for the novel as a whole-if the line read, "Reader, we were married"?
5. Throughout the novel, questions of identity are raised. From her identity as an orphan and stranger in the hostile environment of Gateshead Hall to that of a ward of the church at Lowood; from her being a possible wife of Rochester, then of St. John, to being the cousin of Diana and Mary, Jane is constantly in transition. Trace these changes in identity and how they affect Jane's view of herself and the world around her. Describe the final discovery of her identity that becomes apparent in the last chapter of the novel and the events that made that discovery possible.
6. Throughout the novel, Charlotte Brontë uses biblical quotes and religious references. From the church-supported school she attended that was run by Mr. Brocklehurst to the offer of marriage she receives from St. John, she is surrounded by aspects of Christianity. How does this influence her throughout her development? How do her views of God and Christianity change from her days as a young girl to the end of the novel? How is religion depicted in the novel, positively or negatively?
7. Many readers of Jane Eyre feel that the story is composed of two distinct parts, different in tone and purpose. The first part (chapters 1-11) concerns her childhood at Gateshead and her life at Lowood; the second part is the remainder of the story. Is creating such a division justified? Is there a genuine difference of tone and purpose between the two sections as they have been described? Some critics and readers have suggested that the first part of Jane Eyre is more arresting because it is more directly autobiographical. Do you find this to be true?
8. Upon publication, great speculation arose concerning the identity of the author of Jane Eyre, known only by the pen name Currer Bell. Questions as to the sex of the author were raised, and many critics said that they believed it to be the work of a man. One critic of her time said, "A book more unfeminine, both in its excellence and defects, it would be hard to find in the annals of female authorship. Throughout there is masculine power, breadth and shrewdness, combined with masculine hardness, coarseness, and freedom of expression." Another critic of the day, Elizabeth Rigby, said that if it was the product of a female pen, then it was the writing of a woman "unsexed." Why was there such importance placed on the sex of the author and why was it questioned so readily? What does it mean that people believed it to be the product of a man rather than of a woman?
9. Scenes of madness and insanity are among the most important plot devices in Jane Eyre. From the vision Jane sees when locked in the bedroom at Gateshead to her hearing the "goblin laughter" she attributes to Grace Poole, to the insanity and wretchedness of Bertha Mason, madness is of central importance to the plot and direction of the story. Give examples of madness in the text, and show how they affect the reader's understanding of the character experiencing the madness and how these examples affect the reader's understanding of the characters witnessing it.
10. There is probably no single line in the whole of Jane Eyre that has, in itself, attracted as much critical attention as the first line of the last chapter: "Reader, I married him." Why is the phrasing of this line so important? How would the sense be different-for the sentence and for the novel as a whole-if the line read, "Reader, we were married"?
Jane Eyre was a very interesting novel in my opinion and I think it did a good job at showing a woman’s life during this time. I liked the influence of men in the novel and how it had a huge impact on her life because in this time period this would have been true. I think it was interesting how Charlotte Bronte’s life was intertwined into the novel with the orphanage and the relation she had with Helen, her friend in the orphanage and her sister who also died due to a harsh sickness. I liked how even in this time period she made it so Jane had a voice and an opinion which I think was because it was Charlotte Bronte a female author who had an opinion and wasn’t afraid to express it, even though she did hide it in the beginning but that was just so that she could get published. For example, she had Jane voice her strong opinion in this quote, “I care for myself. The more solitary, the more friendless, the more unsustained I am, the more I will respect myself. I will keep the law given by God; sanctioned by man. I will hold to the principles received by me when I was sane, and not mad—as I am now. Laws and principles are not for the times when there is no temptation: they are for such moments as this, when body and soul rise in mutiny against their rigour; stringent are they; inviolate they shall be. If at my individual convenience I might break them, what would be their worth? They have a worth—so I have always believed; and if I cannot believe it now, it is because I am insane—quite insane: with my veins running fire, and my heart beating faster than I can count its throbs. Preconceived opinions, foregone determinations, are all I have at this hour to stand by: there I plant my foot.” This quote shows how even though she has strong emotions she still has morals and it is morally wrong to be with a married man regardless of her feelings for him. I also like how even when pressured she stays true to her own morals even if the situation is tempting like in this quote, “I repeat I freely consent to go with you as your fellow-missionary, but not as your wife; I cannot marry you and become part of you.” I like this quote because throughout the book we learn how she doesn’t want to lose herself and have to follow anyone else’s orders and as his wife she knows she would have to. Even back then she knew that she wanted a partnership and not a dictatorship which was more common than. She doesn’t want to feel like she owes anyone anything or has to follow someone. This is why in the beginning she didn't want to be with Rochester because he had more money than her and it didn’t feel right. Although, in the end after she has inherited money and her and Rochester has lost vision and they are equal they can have the partnership she wanted. I have now been married ten years. I know what it is to live entirely for and with what I love best on earth. I hold myself supremely blest—blest beyond what language can express; because I am my husband’s life as fully as he is mine. No woman was ever nearer to her mate than I am: ever more absolutely bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh. I know no weariness of my Edward’s society: he knows none of mine, any more than we each do of the pulsation of the heart that beats in our separate bosoms; consequently, we are ever together. To be together is for us to be at once as free as in solitude, as gay as in company. We talk, I believe, all day long: to talk to each other is but a more animated and an audible thinking. All my confidence is bestowed on him, all his confidence is devoted to me; we are precisely suited in character—perfect concord is the result. I think the novel Jane Eyre is very before her time and it is very interesting and I liked how Charlotte Bronte used her views in the book and how her life influenced her writing.
ReplyDeleteJane Eyre explained the statement: human value equals dignity and love. There are two basic themes in Jane Eyre’s pursuit of life: passion, fantasy, resistance, and perseverance; the desire for freedom and happiness on earth as well as the pursuit of a higher spiritual realm.
ReplyDeleteJane Eyer did not have a fortunate childhood. After escaping Ms. Reed, the school teachers and classmates bullied her. The only warmth she could feel was from her friend, Helen. Her childhood experience had a great impact on her. The difficult life and unfair treatment she endured led to a strong desire to love and be loved. At the same time, she pursued independence and equality. When Mrs. Reed accused her of being a liar, she clearly expressed her desire for love for the first time. “You think that I can do without one bit of love or kindness, but I can not live so…”(34) As a result of nobody loving her, she put all of her love in her doll. "Human beings must love something, and, in the dearth of worthier objects of affection, I contrived to find a pleasure in loving and cherishing a faded graven image, shabby as a miniature scarecrow ... "(24) When Mr. Brocklehurst declared that Jane Eyre was a liar in front of the teachers and students of the school, she thought she would be abandoned by her teachers and classmates, and she expressed a stronger desire for love again. "...If others do not love me. I would rather die than live..."(70) Love is a warm fire for an orphan, especially for an orphan who has never been in love. Jane Eyre cannot lose love and would sacrifice everything, even life, in exchange for love.
It seems that there is always one person standing high in a relationship, and the other person meets them halfway. When a person in love, they give everything for the favor of their lover. When they are brokenhearted, they will say: No, I can't live without him/her. Regardless of the beginning and end of love, entanglement or dismissal, all are dominated by this person. However, in Jane Eyre, there is a big difference between the two in terms of age. Rochester is nearly forty years old, and Jane Eyre is less than twenty, a typical intergenerational love. This kind of love has always been criticized by the world. Nevertheless, Jane Eyre has no turning back. That is to say, in Jane Eyre's heart, as long as the two people in love are sincerely attracted to each other, age barriers do not constitute an obstacle for love.
Secondly, from the status point of view, the two greatly differ. Rochester is the owner of the manor, a prestigious gentleman with wealth; and Jane Eyre is an orphan girl, an ordinary family tutor, and has not a pretty face. Under this huge difference, she dared to pursue true love. Without considerable courage, she could not achieve this. From this point, Rochester did not try to dominate Jane Eyre because he was older or richer than her. Of course, Jane's courage was born out of love. As for Rochester's property, she did not even consider it. When they got married, Jane Eyre did not even desire a piece of jewelry or a wedding dress. She did not care about any ceremonies. She thought that marriage was just a matter between two people, such as long as a church priest testified.
DeleteThird, the twisty and bizarre love experience shows the unparalleled character of Jane Eyre. “Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong! — I have as much soul as you, — and full as much heart!” (272) Originally, after Jane Eyre and Rochester were married in the church, life was all good. However, at this time, the fact that Rochester has been married is exposed. This breach made both of them sorrowful. The desperate Rochester even made such an unethical request to make Jane Eyre his mistress.
If later St. John was sincere and did not do everything asked of God first, Jane Eyre would most likely become the wife of her cousin (also her savior). “God and nature want you to be a missionary’s wife. They don’t give you physical power, but spiritual gifts. You were born to work, not to love. You have to be a missionary. The wife—must have to do it. You will belong to me, and I want you—not for pleasure, but for the devotion to the Lord. ” (437) However, Jane Eyre was too disappointed by St. John because he did not regard Jane Eyre as an independent and complete woman to treat sincerely. So, at the last moment, Jane Eyre broke free from St. John and ran towards where she desired.
In the Victorian era when women had no right to speak in society, female writers would have many obstacles and difficulties if they did not publish their works anonymously. At that time, most of the novels ended with marriage. In the marriage, the surname of the heroine would be completely replaced by a man, and she could only speak in the tone of her husband. Women in these novels still have independence when they are being pursued by their husbands, and when they get married, the women’s subjectivity disappears. But in the end, Jane Eyre said, "Reader, I married him." Jane Eyre still maintains her independent personality and her own identity, not completely covered by Rochester's surname. Now, in 2020, after Charlotte Bronte was born for more than 200 years, women can vote, own property, occupy important positions, and even have children without male participation if they desired. From this point of view, this sentence is more like a declaration that marriage is not the highest form of female personal achievement, and it is also a cliché and equivalent to saying, "Hey, look, I am married. I did it….”
I found Jane Eyre to be a very interesting novel. It was full of twists and turns and you didn’t expect and just when you thought nothing else would happen, something else happened. I think in a romantic relationship it often is true that one partner will inevitably dominate the other. I think most people do not go looking for someone who they have everything in common with because they would clash and it would end very messy. I think people tend to look for someone who is almost opposite them, as the saying goes, opposites attract. One partner will always be trying to impress the other and therefore will start to do whatever they feel is what their partner wants them to be like. I think a lot of times money has to do with this too as in the novel, Jane felt like she was much more inferior to Rochester because he had so much more money than she did and it would have made her feel like he was dominating the relationship which she didn’t want to happen because of that reason. I think that is one of the reasons she married him in the end because she did come into some money and I think that made her feel like she was worth and was more than just a pretty face. Throughout the novel, Jane’s identity changes based on where she is in her life and where she is physically and who she is around. When she is around Lowood and her aunt and cousins, she feels much more down on herself because they are not kind to her and will tell her all that’s wrong with her. As an orphan people also look down on you and make you feel bad about yourself like you’re not wanted even though her family died and did not leave her willingly. As the novel goes on I feel like she finds herself with more freedom almost and she’s free of her past where she is. I think meeting Rochester really opened her up to a new view of herself because it showed someone could love her for her and not for what she had. She grew up having nothing so finding someone who truly cared about her showed her that not all people in the world were so vain and cared only about someone’s worth and their money rather than caring about the person themselves. By the end I think she truly found out who she was when she married Rochester because she finally found the person who made her happy and who she was respected by as a person. I think at certain points of the novel, religion is both positive and negative. While she was an orphan, her religious figure was Mr. Brocklehurst who was unkind to her and the other students at Lowood. But as she grew up and met Rochester, she prayed when her wedding was broken up and it made her realize her morals and how she couldn’t marry Rochester while he was still married even if she was crazy and it wasn’t really much of a relationship at all and they had little to no contact with each other. I think creating the two parts of the novel is justified because I think she is a whole different person in each part. During the first part she was always put down and she wasn’t respected as a person and I think that really changed after she finally left Lowood. It was a new chapter in her life and once she left, she was able to be herself for the first time in her life without the abuse from Brocklehurst and her aunt and cousins. She finally got to be in the place she had always wanted to be.
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