Jane EyreCh. 19-28 Discussion Guide

Jane and the fortunetellerDoes Jane buy into this visitor’s practices? How can you tell?

“Chance has meted you a measure of happiness: that I know...it depends on yourself to stretch out your hand, and take it up” (Bronte 171).

Who is the fortuneteller?

What does Jane think of this trick?

● Remember how she feels about patriarchs who try to define her. John Reed and Mr. Brocklehurst made the same mistake. Jane is not a typical Victorian woman.

Mr. MasonJane unwittingly gets revenge on Rochester when she shares with him the news of his visitor. How does Rochester react to the name Mason? Why?

He asks Jane if she would stand by him even if doing so meant defying society.

● Remember our Chalk Talk - Is it better to keep quiet and get along with others than it is to speak out against unethical conduct?

Describe Rochester’s interaction with Mason at the end of the chapter.

● This is a contrast/contradiction moment. Explain.

What tough questions does Jane have at the end of chapter 19?

“Help! Help! Help!” What happened in the middle of the night?

Rochester calls on Jane’s assistance, moving our narrator from onlooker to center-stage.

This scene is incredibly gothic.

● “Here then I was in the third story, fastened into one of its mystic cells; night around me; a pale and bloody spectacle under my eyes and hands; a murderess hardly separated from me by a single door: yes - that was appalling - the rest I could bear; but I shuddered at the thought of Grace Poole bursting out upon me” (Bronte 179).

Silence, secrets, demons, vampires, and tiger bites?If we didn’t realize that we were reading a Gothic novel, we are positive now.

“You will not speak to him on any pretext - and - Richard - it will be at the peril of your life if you speak to her” (Bronte 178).

● Silence = suspense

Does Jane understand anything that is happening?

● Why does she promise Rochester that she will not harm him?

On Friday, we said that Byronic heroes are mad, bad, and dangerous to know. Does Rochester seem to fit that description? Why/why not?

Rebellious women in Victorian EnglandPatriarchal figures consistently work to repress rebellious women.

● John Reed, Mr. Brocklehurst, and now Rochester?

Rage and passion don’t seem to work very well, do they?

● Jane in the red room● Fire in Rochester’s room● Attack on Mr. Mason

What might be a better alternative?

Thinking aheadIn chapters 21 and 22, which you’re reading (and taking beautifully detailed notes over) for tomorrow, Bronte takes us back to Gateshead.

We are at such an important moment in the novel!

So many questions are unanswered!

Why go back now?

Time to review!You’ve survived another 10 chapters, so we’re going to play a quick review game.

Classroom Taboo:

● Create five cards using the words to the right.

● On each card, list three words that you are not allowed to use when describing the word at the top of the card.

● Pick a few good songs! We need some music to enjoy between rounds.

Rochester Fire and Ice

Adele Celine Varens

Mrs. Fairfax Gytrash

Grace Poole Byronic hero

Miss Ingram phrenology

Gothicism fortuneteller

Romanticism governesses

Realism charades

PresentimentsJane has been having strange dreams.

● What would Bessie think?

Do Jane’s dreams foreshadow anything significant?

● Who is her unexpected visitor?● What news does he bring?● What does Jane decide to do? Does this

surprise you? Why/why not?

Farewell, RochesterRochester is surprised to learn that Jane is related to the Reeds.

● Did Jane essentially lie about having family?● Is her lie somehow different from the lie Mrs. Reed is guilty of regarding

Jane? Explain.

“Adele ought to go to school: I am sure you will perceive the necessity of it” (Bronte 191).

● Does this remind you of Parent Trap?● How will Jane get a new job? Is Rochester trying to control her again?

What sort of goodbye gesture does Rochester desire?

Back to GatesheadJane is called back to Gateshead by her dying aunt.

By returning to Gateshead, Bronte builds suspense about

● The 3rd story at Thornfield Hall.● Jane and Rochester’s relationship.

We also get to see how much Jane has changed in 9 years.

● What changes do you notice? ● “I still felt as a wanderer on the face of the earth; but I experienced a

firmer trust in myself and my own powers, and less withering dread of oppression. The gaping wound of my wrongs, too, was now quite healed” (Bronte 194).

Jane and the ReedsMrs. Reed

● “I had once vowed that I would never call her aunt again: I thought it no sin to forget and break that vow now” (Bronte 196).

● Jane stays despite her aunt’s cruelty now. Does this surprise you?

Eliza and Georgiana

● Jane now has the confidence and social skills to win them over. Evidence?● Georgiana = feeling without judgment● Eliza = judgment without feeling

Jane and the ReedsJohn Reed

● Brutal poetic justice - what happened to him?

Note that the Reed children are socially isolated.

● They failed to mature into balanced adults. ● Is this a critique of them, their mother, or both? Explain.

“As I shall not have occasion to refer either to her or her sister again…”

● What happens to them?

Mrs. Reed’s death“The rain beat strongly against the panes” (Bronte 202).

“I have twice done you a wrong which I regret now” (Bronte 203).

● Mistreating Jane as a child● Lying to her uncle

Describe Mrs. Reed’s death

● Are her children particularly upset?● Is Jane?

How might the news about Jane’s uncle change her future?

Returning to ThornfieldWhat mood characterizes Jane’s return?

● Textual evidence?

“There is no happiness like that of being loved by your fellow-creatures, and feeling that your presence is an addition to their comfort” (Bronte 209).

Chapter 23 - Get ready for the most overtly romantic scene of the novel!

Midsummer-eve in the Eden-like garden...Note how Jane describes the beautiful landscape, flowers, smells, etc.

● She says that the grounds are “Eden-like” (Bronte 211). Eden was a beautiful garden, but the tree of knowledge also brought a loss of innocence and a terrible fall. We should be wary of her happiness.

Rochester is such a liar! Why does Jane put up with this?

● “I’m afraid you must go” (Bronte 213).● “I grieve to leave Thornfield” (Bronte 215).

Finally!Jane claims that she and Rochester are equal and he admits that he loves her.

“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will; which I now exert to leave you” (Bronte 216).

“I ask you to pass through life at my side - to be my second self, and best earthly companion” (Bronte 216).

Jane is not easy to convince. What does she eventually decide?

How does the weather change at the end of this scene?

● What ominous event happens in the middle of the night? Should we be worried?

Everything is gorgeousWhen Jane wakes up the next morning, she is prettier than ever.

● Of course, that means the weather is too. “Nature must be gladsome when I am so happy” (Bronte 219).

● What color does Rochester think her eyes are? What color are they?

“I will myself put the diamond chain round your neck...I will clasp the bracelets on these fine wrists” (Bronte 220).

● Vocabulary of imprisonment reminds us that Victorian women were supposed to rely on their husbands physically, psychologically, and economically. Is Jane making the right choice?

Bird imageryHopefully you’ve noticed how often bird imagery is used in this novel.

● When Rochester tries to define her before he proposes, Jane responds, “I am no bird, and no net ensnares me” (Bronte 216).

● Jane says that if she has to dress up as Mr. Rochester desires, she will be “a jay in borrowed plumes” (Bronte 221).

● Watch for more of this. It’s everywhere!

Beautifying JaneShe is really uncomfortable with Rochester’s efforts to buy her nice things. Why?

● “Don’t send for the jewels. Don’t crown me with roses” (Bronte 222).

She is skeptical about all of the sudden changes in her life. Should she be?

Mrs. Fairfax is also skeptical.

● Should this be a red flag? Why/why not?● Mrs. Fairfax’s reaction makes Jane cry. Jane is not a crier…● “Gentlemen in his station are not accustomed to marry their governesses”

(Bronte 226).

Explaining for AdeleHow does Rochester explain the changes that are coming for Adele?

● Jane and fairy imagery again● Does Rochester understand children?

Does Adele believe him?

What advice does Jane offer?

Shopping sceneBronte illustrates the gap that is opening between Jane and Rochester in this scene. Explain.

● “The more he bought me, the more my cheek burned with a sense of annoyance and degradation” (Bronte 229).

“‘If only I had so small an independency’” (Bronte 229).

● Jane makes two plans for herself in the hope that she can maintain some independence. What are they? How does Rochester react to the one of which he is aware?

Reluctance to changeHow does Jane wish to spend the month of their engagement? Why?

“It is your time now, little tyrant, but it will be mine presently...I’ll just - figuratively speaking - attach you to a chain like this” (Bronte 231).

● It’s no wonder she’s nervous about marrying him. He speaks of being his wife as being imprisoned by him!

Jane can’t pray“He stood between me and every thought of religion, as an eclipse intervenes between man and the broad sun. I could not, in those days, see God for his creature: of whom I had made an idol” (Bronte 234).

● Jane clearly loves Rochester.● Has she lost her way by pursuing earthly

love at all costs?● Remember that Bronte’s father was a

pastor. Her faith was very important to her. This probably isn’t a good sign...

Thinking aheadFor tomorrow, you will read chapters 25-26.

In chapter 25, you will read about all of the nerve-wracking, gothic, foreboding events that occur the night before Jane and Rochester’s wedding. Yikes…

In chapter 26, you finally get to read the wedding scene! Well, sort of.

Remember that Jane is only at Thornfield for a few more chapters. Get ready for some changes!

Gothic tones right before the wedding?Jane feels very uncertain of her new identity. How can we tell?

● What is happening with the weather?● How is the moon described?

Rochester’s return

● “I seem to have gathered up a stray lamb in my arms: you wandered out of the fold to seek your shepherd, did you, Jane?” (Bronte 237).

● Meals - communion. Jane can’t eat!

Jane’s dreamsWhat does she dream of? How do these dreams foreshadow bad things to come?

Describe Jane’s “third dream.” Was this a dream or reality? How can we tell?

How does Rochester react to her dreams?

Where does Jane spend the rest of the night? Does she sleep at all?

The wedding! Sort of...Rochester is in a big hurry. Weird.

“‘The marriage cannot go on: I declare the existence of an impediment’” (Bronte 246).

● What impedes their marriage?● Evidence at Thornfield - note that Rochester brings the lawyer, the priest,

and Jane to see Bertha. They represent different parts of society and his desire for worldly, spiritual, and personal exoneration for his attempt at bigamy.

BerthaJane compares her to a wild animal.

She cannot speak, hardly stands upright, and is referred to as “it.”

How did you react to this realization?

Many critics see Bertha as Jane’s foil.

● Monster vs. angel - two stereotypes for Victorian women. They were either perfect or crazy.

Jane’s retreatAt the end of chapter 26, Jane returns quietly to her room. She shows no passion or rage, again acting as the opposite of Bertha.

Emotionally frozen

● “A Christmas frost had come at midsummer; a white December storm had rolled over June” (Bronte 252).

Unable to pray

What will she do now?

Envelope activityWe are finished with the first two volumes of Jane Eyre. As we read the third, we are going to review what we’ve read so far. This will help us better understand the end of the novel and prepare for the big test!

You will be given an envelope with an important theme written on the front. Today, you will get together with the group that shares your theme. Together you will record significant events, quotes, etc. that relate to your theme and keep your notes in your envelopes.

Bring these envelopes to class every day. Sometimes, you will work with the same group you collaborate with today. Other times, you will work with different groups so that you can share your group’s thoughts with the class.

Jane’s resolveJane struggles, but decides that she must leave.

● “I must leave him, it appears. I do not want to leave him. I cannot leave him” (Bronte 255).

● Emotion vs. reason - the classic romantic battle. If this is a romantic novel then emotion should win, right?

She listens quietly while Rochester explains his past.

Rochester’s pastHow did he end up in this situation?

Do you feel sorry for him? Why / why not?

“Bertha Mason - the true daughter of an infamous mother - dragged me through all the hideous and degrading agonies which must attend a man bound to a wife at once intemperate and unchaste” (Bronte 261).

● Rochester condemns Bertha for being passionate and unfaithful. Is that fair?

Impact on Jane“I now hate the recollection of the time I passed with Celine, Giacinta, and Clara” (Bronte 266).

● Jane is driven to refuse his offer by practical self-interest as well as conscience. She doesn’t want to be the next mistress he regrets.

When was Rochester first attracted to Jane? Why did he wait so long to say anything?

Does his plea work? Is Jane moved to take him back?

So Scarlet Letter!“Is it better to drive a fellow-creature to despair than to transgress a mere human law - no man being injured by the breach? For you have neither relatives nor acquaintances whom you need fear to offend by living with me” (Bronte 270).

● Hester and Dimmesdale faced the same dilemma.● Individual vs. Society● Emotion vs. Reason

Is Jane moved to take him back this time?

Jane’s departureHer growing sense of claustrophobia and panic take her back to the red room.

The moon once again acts as Mother Nature. Jane lacks a real mother, so she unconsciously creates one that mirrors her conscience.

“Gentle reader, may you never feel what I then felt! May you never...dread to be the instrument of evil to what you wholly love” (Bronte 274).