Reading Overview for Thursday, July 22

Assigned Text: Bronte’s Jane Eyre, Ch. 11-13 (pp. 104-134)

Summary Information for Chapters 1-10 of Jane Eyre

Here is the link for the blog presented by Lindsey, Juan, and Howard: http://britishauthors.blogspot.com/

About Chapters 11-17 of Jane Eyre

The next section of the novel takes us into a new part of Jane’s life as she notes in the opening of chapter 11. Rather than giving more background on the text, I'll just ask a few questions to continue to guide your reading. Keep in mind the discussions we had about the different characters, the Victorian versions of the Gothic novel, and religion as you continue to read.

Questions for Thinking and Discussion

• To this point in the novel, Jane has already done some traveling, first from Gateshead to Lowood in our reading for Wednesday and then to Thornfield in today’s reading. How does this text compare with others we have discussed over the past few weeks that narrate the experience of traveling? How are Jane’s travels similar to those of the others? How are they different?
• As you’re reading, pay attention to the descriptions of Thornfield. In what ways does Thornfield sound like a typical Gothic setting? In what ways does it seem un-Gothic?
• Building on the descriptions of the characters in the earlier chapters we discussed in class, continue focusing on characterization in the reading for today. How are Adele, Mrs. Fairfax, Rochester described? What new details do we learn about Jane?  

Questions from Thursday’s Presenters

• How has Jane’s role/class in society changed since the beginning of the novel? What factors or experiences have contributed to this change?
• How is Jane’s initial impression of Rochester different or similar from her experiences at previous locations?
• Do you believe Rochester's claim that Adele is not his daughter? Why or why not?
• Do you think Rochester is as innocent as he appears to Jane after she saved his life from the fire? What kind of suspicions/feelings do you have concerning Rochester's relationship with Grace?
• What type of physical characteristics are given to describe the characters, such as Mr. Rochester and his guests?
• How did the guests react to Jane? Why did they react the way they did?