Jane Eyre 2/21

• The title page calls Jane Eyre an autobiography, and this is again mentioned in the text on page 149
• The description of the Red Room makes it seem eerie, but the time Jane spends locked in it is a turning point in the book. Though her life at Gateshead does not improve, after her stay in the Red Room, it is determined that she should go to school.
• On page 138, there is an instance of foreshadowing Helen’s death.
• The reunion with Bessie seems to be a good way to end Chapter 10 since it answers questions about Jane’s relatives. Bessie’s presence draws Jane’s life at both Gateshead and Lowood to a close

Questions:

• The laugh heard in the attic elicits a strong response from Jane and she uses eerie descriptions similar to those used in describing the Red Room. Do you think this laugh will turn out to be a turning point like the Red Room was?
• What is the significance of basing Lowood Institution off of Brontë’s own childhood school, and Helen off of Brontë’s sister, Maria? How does this relate back to the book claim to be an autobiography?
• Think of Mr. Brocklehurst’s hypocracy in dealing with the Lowood girls compared to the treatment of his daughters. Obviously, his reasons for cutting off naturally curly hair and serving burnt breakfast are not as he claims, or he would be doing the same with his daughters. Do you believe this is due simply to money-saving measures or a stigma surrounding orphaned children, or some combination of the two?
• How does Jane’s quote at the bottom of page 139 disagree with her declaration to Mr Lloyd that she would not like to live with poor people? How does this show a change in Jane? Where does this change come from?