AP English
Jane Eyre Guided Reading Questions Ch. 15-23
Chapter 15
1. Describe Rochester’s relationship with Celine Varens. Why do you think Rochester tells Jane about
this?
2. What is Jane’s reaction to both the story and Rochester while he relates it? Is this a “typical” feminine
response?
3. How is fire used in this scene? What do you make of Rochester’s reaction?
4. Analyze Jane’s dream after the incident:
I was tossed on a buoyant but unquiet sea, where billows of trouble rolled under surges of
joy. I thought sometimes I saw beyond its wild waters a shore, sweet as the hills of Beulah;
and now and then a freshening gale, wakened my hope, bore my spirit, triumphantly towards
the bourne: but I could not reach it, even in fancy,--a counteracting breeze blew off land, and
continually drove me back. Sense would resist delirium; judgment would warn passion.
What do the various component of her dream represent?
Chapter 16
5. Consider the following quote:
It little mattered whether my curiosity irritated him: I knew the pleasure of vexing and
soothing him by turns; it was one I chiefly delighted in, and a sure instinct always prevented
me from going too far: beyond the verge or provocation I never ventured; on the extreme
brink I liked well to try my skill. Retaining every minute form of respect, every propriety of
my station, I could still meet him in argument without fear of uneasy restraint: this suited
both him and me (160).
Is the pleasure Jane feels due to her ability to manipulate Rochester, i.e., to control him? Is she a
willing participant in their power struggle? Is Jane one of those people who find danger attractively
exciting?
6. What is the purpose of the portraits Jane draws? Is this a sensible act, or is she masochistic here?
Chapter 17
7. Describe Mr. Rochester’s house guests. What class do they represent? Are they convincingly
presented? Support your position with quotes.
Chapter 18
8. How is marriage, or rather courtship, presented in this chapter?
9. Give example of how reason and attraction/passion are used in this chapter. Which has more influence
on Jane at this point?
Chapter 19
10. What is Rochester's purpose in disguising himself as a gypsy? If it is part of his power struggle with
Jane, what is he trying to make her reveal? Does he succeed in his purpose? Why or why not?
Chapter 20
11. We see more “weirdness” in this chapter that is again left unexplained. What does it say about Jane and
Rochester’s relationship?
12. Where do you see Rochester manipulating her? Where is he sincere? Cite support.
Chapter 21
13. What purpose does the return to Gateshead serve?
Chapter 22
14. Often the weather/time reflects Jane’s mood or important transitions in the plot. Why is twilight used
here?
15. How is the concept of home utilized in this chapter?
Chapter 23
16. We’ve discussed proposals before. What do you make of Rochester’s in this chapter?
17. Look closely at Jane’s emotion reactions here. Do they signal the same passion that shook her as a
child, indicating that she is not fully in control? Or, is this justified emotion? Cite examples.
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