Reading Overview for Friday, July 23

Assigned Text: Bronte’s Jane Eyre, Ch. 18-20 (pp. 182-220)

Summary Information for Chapters 11-17 of Jane Eyre

Here is the link for the blog presented by Peter, Wes, and Marshall: Jane and Rochester

About Chapters 18-24 of Jane Eyre

The next section of the novel takes us through a romance for Mr. Rochester, Jane’s return to Gateshead, and some interesting disguises. Again, I don't want to ruin any of the plot for you, so we'll stick with questions.

Questions for Thinking and Discussion

• In today’s reading, we have yet another crisis in the middle of the night. How do the situation in Chapter 20 and the description of it compare with the fire in Rochester’s room in Chapter 15?
• Jane makes clear her developing feelings about Mr. Rochester. What do you think makes her attracted to him? How does Rochester seem to feel about Jane?
• What are your thoughts on Rochester’s visitors to Thornfield? Which ones are likeable? And which ones do you dislike? How do these visitors demonstrate differences in social classes?
• As you continue reading, keep thinking about some of the issues we discussed in class, including the Gothic elements, the development of the characters, the way Jane’s narrative strategies shape the text and our reading experience, and the importance of children in the text.

Questions from Friday’s Presenters

• Why would Rochester request Jane’s presence during the guest’s visits and in the charades game, even if she wasn’t involved?
• Do you think the way Jane interacted with the gypsy was any indication of her attitudes towards Rochester? Do you think she knew it was him? And if not then why was she not mad?
• Why would Rochester help Mason and also ask for Jane’s help?
• What examples of Gothic elements do you see in these chapters?
• Why do you think Aunt Reed would finally tell Jane about the inheritance?
• How do you feel Jane’s relationship has changed with her cousins since they were younger?
• What do you think draws Jane to Rochester?
• Can you find an example in this section where Jane has questioned Rochester’s integrity/morals/actions?
• What do you think of Rochester’s devious ways about the engagement?
• Do you think Jane is out of line with her request to her uncle?