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Jane Eyre Chapter Questions 1-6
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Name:
1. How do you feel about Helen Burns? Is she the kind of person you would want to have as a friend?
2. Compare Jane to the Reed children. In what ways do her appearance and personality differ from those
of her cousins? What other factors set her apart from them?
3. After she learns that she will be leaving for Lowood, Jane engages Mrs. Reed in a “battle.” Why do Jane
and Mrs. Reed “battle”? Why do you suppose Jane is able to win a victory for the first time over Mrs.
Reed?
4. Novelists often use details of setting to create atmosphere and establish particular moods. What is the
dominant atmosphere or mood at Gateshead? At Lowood? Cite details (direct quotes) from the novel
to support your answer.
5. Jane admires both Miss Temple and Helen Burns. Explain how each of them feels about how to treat
one’s enemies.
6. What purpose do the descriptive passages from Berwick's History of British Birds serve at this stage of
the text?
7. What are your impressions of John Reed? What do you make of the abuse that Jane suffers? Is it
realistic?
8. From page 14, note Jane's thoughts of suicide.
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9. Jane Eyre was a watershed novel at the time it was written because it blended two styles of novels: the
romantic novel and the gothic novel. According to Webster's Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English
Language, romanticism emphasized content rather than form; encouraged "freedom of treatment,"
"introspection," and celebrated "nature, the common man, and freedom of the spirit." The same
source defines the gothic novel as a type of fiction "characterized by picturesque settings; an
atmosphere of mystery, gloom, and terror; supernatural or fantastic occurrences; and violent and
macabre events." Where do you see both elements in the novel so far?
10. Jane's fears of the ghost are consistent with her vivid imagination; yet the ghost never appears, and
Jane is returned to cruel reality. Note some examples of this here.
11. Most readers of today are familiar with the signs of child abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. While
these terms were arguably unknown to Brontë in the mid 19th century, how does her treatment of
Jane reflect what we know about them?
12. On page 32, what is unexpected in Jane’s answer to how she plans to avoid going to Hell?
13. How does the anecdote of the "little psalm angel" (33) heighten our contempt for Brocklehurst?
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14. Why does Bessie begin to treat Jane with kindness at this point in the text? What lesson does Jane
learn on how to deal with people she fears? How is this unusual when compared with the depiction of
the other children of this time period, such as the "little psalm angel" and the "girls of the school" (278)?
15. On page 47, notice "Jane's" first direct address of the "reader." Copy it here.
16. How does Miss Temple fit in with your expectations of her from Brocklehurst's interview with Jane? In
fact, how does her character compare to most of the other adult characters encountered in the text so
far?
17. In chapter 6, Jane receives another lesson in strength, this time from Helen Burns. What do you think
of Burns' diction and speech? What do you think of her philosophy?
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Jane Eyre Chapter Questions 7-10
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Name:
1. Would you go off, as Jane does in Chapter 10, to live at a place and with people you knew nothing
about?
2. Bronte describes the winter at Lowood with enormous detail. At what moments in Chapter 7 did you
feel closest to the action in the novel? Which details helped you feel that way?
3. Explain the dramatic irony of Mr. Brocklehurst and his family’s visit to Lowood.
4. Compare the religious creed that Helen expresses to Jane in Chapters 6 and 7 to the creed that Mr.
Brocklehurst states to Miss Temple in Chapter 7. With which of these creeds do you think Bronte wants
her readers to sympathize? Cite details (direct quotes) from the novel to support your opinion.
5. Explain the effect that Helen Burns and Miss Temple have on Jane’s character. By the time Jane leaves
Lowood, which of her new character traits seem the exact opposite of those she displayed at
Gateshead and in her first days at Lowood?
6. Just as Jane is ready to start a new life, someone from her old life suddenly appears. What is the
significance of Bessie’s arrival and the news she brings from Gateshead?
7. Why does Jane decide to leave Lowood? Were you surprised at her decision to leave a safe place
behind? Explain.
8. What do you think of Mr. Brocklehurst's philosophy of education in this section?
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9. Discuss Brontë's feelings on the "nature of man" (68). Is she being serious or tongue-in-cheek?
10. Compare Jane Eyre to other mistreated heroines from children's stories (Cinderella, Rapunzel, Snow
White). Knowing that Jane Eyre is the novel that broke many rules about how a mistreated heroine
should act, compare and contrast them to Jane.
11. Pay attention to the lush descriptions of Miss Temple in Chapter 8 and spring at Lowood in Chapter 9.
How would descriptions like these affect readers in the mid 19th century? How do they affect readers
of today?
12. Notice the parallels between life at Lowood in the spring and Jane's new lifestyle. How is this "pathetic
fallacy" (giving nature human emotions) a form of foreshadowing?
13. Read the first paragraph of Chapter 10. If Brontë means that she has only related events that are
important, what are those important events and how are they important to Jane's development as a
character?
14. What do you think of Jane's prayers for a "new servitude"?
15. What can you make of Bessie's character in her differing reactions to Jane's looks and her abilities?
What is the effect that Brontë is trying to convey to the reader?
16. Pay attention to the appearance of a mysterious Mr. Eyre. Write what you know of him here.
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Jane Eyre Chapter Questions 11-16
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Name:
1.
Jane calls Mr. Rochester’s manner “abrupt and changeful.” Mrs. Fairfax admits he is “rather peculiar.”
What do you think of Mr. Rochester’s behavior?
2.
What do the three drawings that Mr. Rochester chooses have in common? What do they tell you about
Jane?
3.
Summarize Jane’s feelings at the end of Chapter 15 when she parts from Mr. Rochester after the fire.
4.
What evidence does Jane have to suspect that Grace Poole is responsible for the fire? What hints does
Bronte provide to suggest that Jane may be mistaken?
5.
Many critics believe that a theme of Jane Eyre is a quest for independence. Do you agree or disagree?
Back up your argument with examples (direct quotes) from the text so far.
6.
Describe Mr. Rochester’s relationship with Adele. What is your opinion of his treatment of her? Would
it be better for Adele if he were to behave differently? Explain.
7.
At the beginning of Chapter 11, Bronte has her narrator, Jane, address the reader. This convention
makes the character of Jane more realistic and true-to-life, but does it also break the spell of the novel
and pull readers out of the action by reminding them that this is only a book? Re-read the first page of
Chapter 11 and analyze how the direct address makes you feel. In the end, do you feel it helps or hurts
your enjoyment of the novel?
8.
Read the passages on pages 110-111. What do you make of them? What is the link between the
paragraphs? What opinions does Brontë show here, and how does she direct them through these
paragraphs?
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9.
How has Thornfield changed with the arrival of Mr. Rochester? What is the significance of this?
10.
On page 120, as well as other places in the text, Brontë makes liberal use of French in her dialogue.
What does this say about her audience? How do you compare to that audience?
11.
Comment on the character and appearance of Rochester. How does he measure up to other romantic
heroes?
12.
When Rochester says he is "paving hell with energy" and that he is "laying down good intentions," he is
alluding to an old saying: "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions." Explain what Mr. Rochester
means by this.
13.
Chapter 14 gives more insight on the nature of Rochester through his battle of wits with Jane. What is
revealed about Rochester here? What is the outcome of their conversation?
14.
Why does Jane become more affectionate and tolerant of Adèle, both literally and figuratively?
15.
What odd things are occurring at Thornfield?
16.
Note at the end of chapter 15 the change in the relationship between Jane and Rochester.
17.
What past relationship of Rochester’s does the discussion of Miss Blanche Ingram between Jane and
Mrs. Fairfax remind you of? What happened to this relationship?
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18.
What do you make of Jane creating a harsh piece of artwork for herself and a lovely piece of artwork
depicting Miss Ingram?
Jane Eyre Chapter Questions 17-20
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Name:
1.
How have the events of Chapters 17-20 changed your opinion of Mr. Rochester? How have they
changed your opinion of Jane?
2.
For what reason did Mr. Rochester disguise himself as a fortune-teller?
3.
Explain why Blanche is a foil for Jane.
4.
Compare the scene in Chapter 20 in which Jane is locked in the third-story room with Mason to the
scene in Chapter 2 in which she is locked in the red room. In what ways is Jane’s response to the two
situations similar? In what ways is her response different?
5.
Is it true that Blanche Ingram “scorned to touch me [Jane] with the hem of her robes as she passed”?
What class distinctions become evident in these chapters? In what ways are they the same as class
conflicts today? In what ways are they different?
6.
Bronte modeled the character of Edward Rochester after the type of hero that Lord Byron (1788-1824)
portrayed in his poems, which were immensely popular in the early nineteenth century:
There was in him a vital scorn of all;
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As if the worst had fall’n which could befall;
His early dreams of good outstripp’d the truth,
And troubled manhood followed baffled youth;
With thought of years in phantom chase misspent,
And wasted powers for better purpose lent;
And fiery passions that had poured their wrath
In hurried desolation o’er his path,
And left the better feelings all at strife
In wild reflection o’er his stormy life.
Study this excerpt carefully, and then, considering what you know thus far about Mr. Rochester’s appearance,
background, and personality, explain why some critics consider him a Byronic hero.
7.
Beginning with the serving of coffee on page 176, Brontë shifts her narrative into the present tense.
Why does she do this, and what is the effect on the reader?
8.
How does Brontë transmit the characters of the Ingram ladies successfully to the reader?
9.
Sometimes Jane's naïveté offers Brontë a chance to satirize the attitudes and actions of aristocracy. On
pages 188-189, how does Brontë satirize love as seen by the upper class?
10.
Comment on the sudden appearance of both Mr. Mason and the old gypsy woman.
11.
This chapter shows another change in the relationship between Rochester and Jane. Analyze this new
stage.
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12.
Re-read the section beginning with "Here is to your health, ministrant spirit!" (207) until the end of the
chapter. What do you make of this passage?
13.
On page 213, Brontë again changes into the present tense. Why?
14.
At this point in the novel, it is very clear that Rochester is deeply involved with some mystery
surrounding Grace Poole. At the end of chapter 20, who does he initially hint may help him find
happiness? When Jane can not respond to Rochester1s hinting, his tone and attitude change
immediately. What does this say about Rochester as a character?
Jane Eyre Chapter Questions 21-25
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Name:
1.
Do you think Jane should marry Mr. Rochester? Why or why not?
2.
Why do you think Mrs. Reed called for Jane, and why did Jane agree to return to Gateshead?
3.
Mr. Rochester proposes to Jane in the “Eden-like” garden on Midsummer-eve, June 23. On this night,
according to folklore, evil or mysterious nature spirits renewed their powers and tried to use them on
humans who were foolish enough to be outdoors. In light of this folk belief, explain why the natural
setting in which the proposal occurs is significant.
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4.
Explain the symbolism of the weather and of Jane’s dreams in Chapter 25. Does the symbolism give
you any clue about Jane’s wedding day?
5.
Explain the significance of the chestnut tree in these chapters. What does it symbolize?
6.
Jane Eyre is narrated from a first-person point of view. How does this point of view help to create
suspense?
7.
Bronte uses many elements from Gothic novels in Jane Eyre. These novels, popular in the late
eighteenth and early nineteenth century, are characterized by medieval-like settings, supernatural
events, mysterious characters, and an atmosphere of impending danger. Explain how you see each of
these gothic elements in Jane Eyre.
8.
On pages 231-232, we are treated to an example of what the Reed sisters have become. How does
Jane respond to their personalities? How does Jane compare and contrast to them?
9.
Describe the resolution of the relationship between Jane and Mrs. Reed. Is it different from what you
expected? Would it have been different from what Brontë's audience would have expected?
10.
Chapter 22 is short and ostensibly deals with Jane's return to Thornfield. What function might this
chapter serve in terms of the entire text?
11.
Note again the switch in tense on page 248. What effect does this have?
12.
Pay attention to Brontë's description of Thornfield in summer at the beginning of the chapter. Notice
how it contrasts the events of the rest of the chapter. Notice also the change of weather and the
destruction of the chestnut tree. As a reader, what effect should these incidents of "pathetic fallacy"
have on you?
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13.
In Jane's impassioned speech beginning with "I tell you I must go!" (257) you should be able to find
pieces of both Bessie and Helen Burns. How do the philosophies of these two influential characters
color Jane's words?
14.
Chapter 24 is pure Jane Eyre. How is Jane different than most brides of romance stories? What would
Brontë's audience have thought of her behavior?
15.
When Jane regards her wedding gown on page 279, what mood does Brontë establish?
16.
Why does Brontë narrate with such a heavy hand when she writes "Stay till he comes, reader; and
when I disclose my secret to him, you shall share the confidence." (280)?
Jane Eyre Chapter Questions 26-30
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1.
Name:
How do the revelations in these chapters affect your view of Mr. Rochester?
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2.
The central conflict of Jane Eyre pits reason against passion. Considering Chapter 28, explain how
Bronte reveals this conflict both internally and externally.
3.
Just before they part, Mr. Rochester calls Jane a spirit who would come to him “with soft flight and
nestle against my heart.” Explain how Bronte uses imagery to contrast Jane to Bertha. What purpose
do you suppose Bronte had in using this imagery to characterize Jane?
4.
Do you suppose Bronte wants her readers to sympathize with Bertha’s plight? Cite details (direct
quotes) from the novel to support your answer.
5.
Some critics have described Jane’s transition from Thornfield to the home of St. John and his sisters as
a symbolic death and resurrection. In what ways might this be true?
6.
Considering St. John’s appearance and character traits, explain how he serves as a foil to Mr.
Rochester. Why do you suppose Bronte introduces a foil for Mr. Rochester at this point in the novel?
7.
Compare Jane’s life at Moor House to the life she had as a child with her other cousins at Gateshead.
What do you think Bronte is saying are necessary ingredients for domestic happiness?
8.
Do you find Jane’s actions—leaving Thornfield with no destination in mind—to be realistic? Why or
why not?
9.
What is the irony in Jane wearing "the plain square of blond" veil for her wedding (291)?
10.
What do you think of the fact that Jane's uncle and Mr. Mason were business associates?
11.
Re-read Jane's recollections of the events leading up to the introduction of Bertha Mason (296). How
are these events different from similar events in traditional romantic novels? Why does Brontë "play"
the scene this way?
12.
"Reader, I forgave him at the moment on the spot" (303). What is your reaction to this?
13.
When Rochester explains the circumstances of marriage to Bertha Mason, how do you respond as a
reader? Does Brontë succeed or fail to produce sympathy for this character? How?
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14.
Compare the symbolism of "(a) wind fresh from Europe" (313) and the "fiery West Indian night" (312).
What do these symbols represent? Are they ironic in any sense?
15.
On page 322, Jane explains her rationale for not complying with Rochester. Is this in character with the
Jane we have come to know? How?
16.
The suffering that Jane endures is compounded by her belief that she has "no claim to ask" for help
(333). How is this philosophy in keeping with her character?
17.
As the author of the text, Brontë is the artist who chooses what events happen in the plot (much the
same way a painter can choose the composition of a painting, or a sculptor can choose where and how
to carve the elements of a sculpture). Why did she choose to create a section where her main
character goes through so much pain? Is it appropriate?
18.
Do a little research. Where do the names Mary, Diana, St. John, and Hannah come from, and what is
the significance attached to those names? Compare the meanings of the names to their respective
characters in the previous chapter and this one?
19.
Compare the Rivers family to the Reed family. In what way are they similar? In what way are they foils?
Do the names signify anything?
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Jane Eyre Chapter Questions 31-38
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Name:
1.
How do you feel at the end of Jane Eyre?
2.
Compare St. John’s proposal to Jane in Chapter 34-35 to Mr. Rochester’s proposal to Jane in Chapter
37. In what ways are the men’s appeals to Jane similar? Different? What is similar about Jane’s
response to each appeal?
3.
Compare and contrast the religious views of St. John to those of Mr. Brocklehurst.
4.
Explain the symbolism of the names Thornfield, Moor House, and Ferndean in light of experiences Jane
has at each locale.
5.
What changes have occurred in Mr. Rochester and Jane to guarantee that their marriage will be one of
“perfect concord”?
6.
Jane Eyre contains many details that foreshadow later events. These details, however, usually become
more obvious only in hindsight. Find at least two clues from earlier in the novel that foreshadow its
conclusion.
7.
This section of the novel contains two coincidences that some readers find unbelievable: The Rivers
family turn out to be Jane’s cousins; and psychic voices bring Jane and Rochester together. To what
extent has Bronte prepared her readers for these coincidences? In your opinion, do they contribute to
or detract from the novel’s believability? Cite details from the book to support your responses.
8.
The last chapter is addressed to the reader. Jane explains what has happened to other characters.
What in your opinion is the effect of ending the book with St. John Rivers—the glowing description of
his work in India and the quotation from his last letter to Jane?
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9.
Jane's feelings toward her backwoods students and the "germs of native excellence, refinement,
intelligence (and) kind-feeling" that "are as likely to exist in their hearts as in those of the best-born"
(365) are likely to have caused a stir among non-romantics of the period. Why?
10.
Why does Jane begin this Chapter 31 in the present tense?
11.
Jane Eyre is running from an unattainable love. Who else is running as well, and what are the details?
12.
A good minister is an example to his congregation; followers will learn "truth" by simply observing the
daily actions of their pastor. Does St. James Rivers impart any "truths" to Jane?
13.
In this chapter, the final pieces of the puzzle slip into place. Is this resolution too coincidental or is it
satisfactory?
14.
Hot climates seem to have a special symbolic meaning in the text (note Rochester's discussion of the
West Indies). What do you make of it?
15.
Jane's conversation with Diana, although acceptable and unexceptional to us, would have bordered on
the scandalous in Brontë's day. What is it about Jane's viewpoint that would have drawn so much
anger?
16.
Does Jane's near surrender to St. John Rivers, stopped only by "the voice of Edward Fairfax Rochester"
speaks to her "in pain and woe" (427) diminish her strength of character? Why would Brontë have
slipped again into the realm of the supernatural if Jane had enough strength in her own convictions?
17.
In this chapter we learn the fate of Rochester, Bertha Mason, and Thornfield Hall. How do these
revelations sit with you, the reader? Did Brontë do a good job of tying up loose ends?
18.
Notice that Brontë makes a direct jump from the inn at Millcote to Rochester's house at Ferndean.
Why does she do this? What effect might she wish to achieve?
19.
On page 444, Jane has her own ideas of how to shake Rochester from his gloom. What are they?
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20.
"To make a love story work you gotta have heart. More important: The audience must believe it's real."
This quote by Pat H. Broeske in his article "Save Yourself From Trouble" from the January 1995 issue of
Writer's Digest was his thesis for why some Hollywood love stories work and some don't. Does Jane
Eyre work as a love story? Do Jane and Rochester have "heart"? Are we glad to see them back
together? What makes their relationship ring true for the reader?
21.
Brontë ends the novel on a religious note. In fact, she has been building the religious closure since
Rochester's admission of prayer in chapter 37. What effect does this have on you as a reader? What
effect would it have had on Brontë's audience?