Jane Eyre Chapter Questions 26-30
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1.
How do the revelations in these chapters affect your view of Mr. Rochester?
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?
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?