Jane Eyre
Group Presentation
Setting & Structure:
Time: The novel is set in the early decades of the 19th century. The action lasts 21 years & is narrated in
chronological order. Jane is 10 at the beginning; 31 at the end. Most of the action takes place over a three year
period (age 19-21) at Thornfield & Moor House.
Place: The novel is structured around five separate locations. (1) Gateshead Hall, where Jane lives as a child;
(2) Lowood Institution, where she is educated; (3) Thornfield Hall, Rochester’s home where Jane is
governess; (4) Moor House, where she dwells with the Rivers after fleeing Rochester; (5) Ferndean, the site of
Jane & Rochester’s reconciliation & marriage.
Objectives:
1. Each group has a specific period of interest in Jane’s life:
(1) Gateshead Hall: chapters 1-4 & 21 (Mrs. Reed’s deathbed)
A. IV – introduction of Brocklehurst
B. IV – Mrs. Reed confrontation
C. XXI – deathbed conversation with Mrs. Reed
(2) Lowood: chapters 5-10
A. V – Helen Burns first encounter
B. VI – Helen & Jane debate Christian virtue
C. VIII – Helen assesses Jane
D. X – Jane desire liberty & “a new servitude.”
(3) Thornfield: chapters 11-20
A. XII – Jane’s discontent: gender commentary
B. XII – meeting Rochester (on horse)
C. XIV – early Rochester dialogue
D. XX – Rochester’s growing interest in Jane (big sequence)
(4) Thornfield: chapters 22-27 AND Thornfield/Ferndean chapters 36-38
A. XXIII – Rochester’s proposal
B. XXVI – Rochester’s wife (Bertha) revealed
C. XXVI – Jane’s desolation (almost a bride)
D. XXVI – Jane renounces love, to flee Thornfield
E. XXXVII – Jane independent, “I am my own mistress.”
F. XXXVII – resolution to marry Rochester
G. XXXVIII – 10 years on
(5) Moor House: chapters 28-35
A. XXXI – Jane contemplates her life choices
B. XXXIII – Revelation of Jane’s family & fortune
C. XXXIV – St. John’s kiss & proposal
D. XXXIV – Jane scorns St. John’s idea of love
E. XXXVIII – novel concludes with St. John’s fate
2. Each group must create a power point presentation (maximum of 20 slides) that offers detailed insight into
its respective phase of Jane’s growth. Each presentation should focus on the maturation of Jane’s character.
Include:
1. A variety of quotes, monologue or dialogue, that elucidate her views. (see recommended passages)
2. The influence of protagonistic and antagonistic characters.
3. The presence of appropriate themes & motifs, examples include: the struggle between autonomy & the
desire for love; the role of religion (Christianity is practiced in a variety of ways throughout the
narrative); the obstacle of social class; gender expectations & relations; fantasy vs. reality; the role of
Gothicism & mystery, the role of substitute mothers.
4. The function of various symbols, examples include: fire & ice, the chestnut tree, blindness, Bertha
Mason, the red room.
3. Each group member will also write a close reading of a specific passage. This is an individual task.
Passages will be pre-approved and the write-up will follow the guidelines of a close reading, as defined and
posted on the class website. A photocopy of the passage will be included with the write-up. At least one of the
individual readings will be used in the group presentation.