Jane Eyre Read Along Chapters 11 - 14

Welcome to our discussion on Chapters 11 - 14.

This week’s questions and my answers are below.

Jane meets her pupil, Adela Varens, in Chapter 11, and we learn more about her in subsequent chapters. How is this little girl contrasted with Jane herself, when she was a child?

Adela is a little girl who has also been left parentless. However, the similarities to Jane mostly end there. We see little sign that Adela possesses the strength of character or conviction that Jane did as a child. She seems to very interested in material things such as clothing. At one point Jane comments, “

My pupil was a lively child, who had been spoilt and indulged”.

One might argue, that such a sheltered childhood would less likely produce such a strong a character like Jane's. Perhaps Bronte is attempting to communicate this in her portrayal of Adela.

How does Bronte set the general atmosphere surrounding Jane's awkward meeting with Mr. Rochester, in the country lane, which takes place in Chapter 12?

The initial meeting and impression of Rochester is curious. First Rochester is shown to be a strong man. He projects an imposing character on  horseback. Jane even uses the adjective “masculine’ in describing him.  Yet there is something mysterious and dark, perhaps tied to other dark and mysterious aspects of the novel. At one point Jane describes his dog Pilot as a Gytrash , which is a mythical, magical creature that supposedly roams English roads. This is only the beginning of the references to magical folklore in reference to the relationship between Jane and Rochester. There are also signs of Rochester’s grumpiness as Jane comments that he is “swearing”. This seems to be another aspect to Rochester’s character that will continue to manifest itself.

Jane states that she would not have offered her help to the fallen rider, had he been conventionally handsome. What does this tell the reader about Jane?

This is really an interesting point. Once again there is something a little dark or at least offbeat  portrayed in Jane. There is an aspect to her  that is different. She is alienated, at least just a little bit, from the normal and the conventional. This observation indicates that she is attracted to what is usually unattractive. It indicates that her feelings and beliefs, run contrary to convention. Thus, this strange comment is consistent with the Jane that we are getting to know.

What further information about Jane's personality, and her philosophy of life, do her paintings convey?

I knew immediately when the paintings were described that they had meaning. The painting of the hill is gloomy, and the icy landscape is also bleak. These clearly reflect the darker side of Jane’s nature, which I have commented upon several times.

The paintings are full of various imagery. I must confess that no mater how much I attempted I decipher this imagery , I was stumped. I cheated and did a Google search. There are some differing opinions out there as to the meanings of the paintings. However, it seems that there is a consensus that they represent various aspects of Jane’s personality and her psyche.  Furthermore they are filled with mythological and Biblical imagery. I am relatively familiar with the Bible and familiar with some, but not all, aspects of Western mythology, yet I needed help dissecting all this.

While many of the interpretations that I read seem plausible and convincing, since I was unable to figure any of it out myself, I will refrain from discussing the various theories and leave my readers to their own interpretations. Anyone of course, can  consult Professor Google himself.

What do you think is the real purpose of Mr. Rochester's interview of Jane? Or do you think it's the typical interview an employer would conduct, when hiring a new domestic employee?

This certainly is not a typical interview. Rochester is tasking in his questions and even a little bullying. He also exhibits sarcasm. I think that Rochester sees some of Jane’s extraordinary nature and is testing her. For all his good intentions this behavior exhibits a degree of arrogance.

There is something else mentioned in the interview. Like Jane did when she first saw Rochester, here Rochester makes reference to folklore and jokingly alludes to the fact that Jane might be connected to these mythical doings.

“For the men in green: it was a proper moonlight evening for them.   Did I break through one of your rings, that you spread that damned ice on the causeway?” 

I am going out a little on a limb on this, but I think that perhaps Bronte is building something of a Universal view of existence, or at least existence as viewed from the point of view of the human mind. There are a lot of noble characters who are strong Christians as well as positive references to scripture. However, there are also these odd hints of a world also populated, at least symbolically, with pagan and other mysterious  beliefs that that are connected to nature worship.  Bronte seems to be constructing a complex worldview indeed.

Do you see any hints of foreshadowing in Chapter 14? Please explain. 

While several aspects of the chapter may indicate foreshadowing, What struck me most were the hints that in the future, some of Rochester’s darkness might be dispelled. At one point Jane speaks to him,

“Only one thing, I know: you said you were not as good as you should like to be, and that you regretted your own imperfection;— one thing I can comprehend: you intimated that to have a sullied memory was a perpetual bane.   It seems to me, that if you tried hard, you would in time find it possible to become what you yourself would approve; and that if from this day you began with resolution to correct your thoughts and actions, you would in a few years have laid up a new and stainless store of recollections, to which you might revert with pleasure.”

So maybe we can look forward to a changed Rochester in the future.

Next week we will be reading chapters 15 - 19. Our questions are below.

Rochester seems a very strong personality. Is it surprising that he would become enamored with someone like Céline Varens?

We find that Thornfield Hall is a place with strange servants, where demonic laughter is heard and mysterious fires are set. Are these just clever and atmospheric plot devices or is Bronte saying something more?

At one point Jane rebukes her self as a result of her attraction for Rochester and resolves to suppress that attraction. Is this a realistic reaction of a person falling in love? Do people act this way in the real world and the present day?

Jane believes that Rochester is planning on marrying for the benefit of connections. Is she accessing his character fairly? Based upon what we know about Rochester at this point, would a man like him likely enter into marriage for such reasons?

At one point Blanche Ingram insults and acts cruelly to a passive Jane. Rochester allows this to go on and he takes no action to stop it. What can be concluded from his behavior?

Rochester disguises himself as a fortuneteller and deceives Jane and several other characters. Is this the act of a trustworthy person?  In reality can someone who acted this way ever be worthy of trust?

Please do not forget to use the below widget to link your post so we all can read it.

Week 4: Oct. 13th

Reading: Chapters 15 - 19

Discussion Questions: Chapters 11 - 14

Discussion Questions for Next Week:

Babbling Books

Week 5: Oct. 20th

Reading: Chapters 20 - 23

Discussion Questions: Chapters 15 - 19

Discussion Questions for Next Week:

A Night's Dream of Books

Week 6: Oct. 27th

Reading: Chapters 24 - 28

Discussion Questions: Chapters 20 - 23

Discussion Questions for Next Week:

Babbling Books

Week 7: Nov. 3rd

Reading: Chapters 29 - 33

Discussion Questions: Chapters 24 - 28

Discussion Question for Next Week:

A Night's Dream of Books

Week 8: Nov. 10th

Reading: Chapters 34 - 38

Discussion Questions: Chapters 29 - 33

Discussion Questions for Next Week:

Babbling Books

Week 9: Nov. 17th

Discussion Questions, Chapters 34 - 38

Week 9: Nov. 21st

Book Reviews Posted

Jane Eyre Read Along Chapters 6 - 10

Another week of what is turning out to be a great read for me.

Once again I would like to thank my Co - Host Maria of A Night's Dream of Books for all her hard work.

This week we are discussing chapters 6 – 10.

This week’s questions and my answers are below.

What are your impressions of the way that Helen Burns endures punishment and abuse?

The initial impression that one gets from Helen’s acceptance of her terrible treatment is that she responds to it with a Christian mindset. She quotes from the New Testament as she explains why one must forgive their enemies.  She is forgiving of those who do her harm.

But I do think that there is more going on here. In addition to her Christianity, there is stoicism in Helen. She endures punishment without complaint and detaches herself from emotion or reaction. She is very passive in this way. Even when one reads Christian stories of martyrs, there is often a little, understandable in the context of the stories, self - righteousness and sense of sacrifice involved. I detect none of this in Helen and thus the stoicism. As I am actually a little further through this book it seems that this is one of several examples of Bronte mixing in several belief systems in what may be an attempt at constructing a coherent worldview.

What are your impressions of the way that Jane sees punishment and abuse in comparison to Helen?

Jane is more aggressive then Helen in the way that she reacts to injustice. In contrast to Helen, on several occasions in the novel she boldly speaks against oppressors.

At one point she explains her reaction,

“If people were always kind and obedient to those who are cruel and unjust, the wicked people would have it all their own way: they would never feel afraid, and so they would never alter, but would grow worse and worse. “

And later,

“I must dislike those who, whatever I do to please them, persist in disliking me; I must resist those who punish me unjustly. “

While I have enormous respect for people like Helen. On a visceral level I find it much more satisfying when reading about Jane.

Would Mr. Brocklehurst have been a more realistic and interesting character had he been less overtly fanatical, cruel and hypocritical and just deeply flawed instead?

I think that I am a little unusual in that I often prefer subtlety in characters. Through there are indeed some people as malicious and hypocritical as Mr. Brocklehurst, I think that had he been more nuanced, the aesthetic and thematic effect might have been stronger. If he unfairly punished the children, but if his language was toned down a little, in an ironic way, it may have projected a stronger message.

Helen Burns exudes confidence and is sure of her personal beliefs. Do you find it realistic that such a young person exhibits such traits?

In the previous week’s questions I argued that Jane, though extraordinary, was realistic. I think that Helen’s case is different. Helen shows stoicism, poise and self - confidence as well as a unified philosophical outlook that only comes with age and maturity. Perhaps she is too perfect even for an older person. But as child she is difficult to believe. Obviously Helen represents something. As I wrote above I think that Bronte had mix of ideal Christianity mixed in with a little stoicism in mind when she fashioned Helen.

Miss Temple seems to influence Jane’s personality and outlook on life during her stay at Lowood. Would Jane have developed differently without her influence?

Miss Temple is a kind and moral person who helps shield Jane from some of the hardships at Lowood. I think that Jane was headed to forming strong moral traits even without Miss Temple. These traits were also encouraged by Helen. However, I think that there is also a darkness and anger inside Helen. While not completely extinguishing this, by displaying noble virtues I think that Miss Temple’s influence tempered some of Jane’s inner darkness.

Jane’s time at Lowood is marked in the narrative by the seasons and the description of weather. Does this have any significance?

The seasons and the weather seem to be playing an important part in this novel. Jane’s early days at Lowood take place during a cold and bitter winter, these dismal conditions reflect the conditions at the institution. When spring arrives, Jane’s experiences also reflect the weather to a degree. She comes under the protection of Miss Temple and finds something of a place at the school. Life becomes a little brighter along with the weather.

At one point Jane laments the conditions at the school as she hears the desolate howling wind. There are other examples of this.

All this connection with nature gives me the impression that Bronte is trying to get at something that is basic and fundamental about nature and the Universe. We shall see as we progress through the book.

Next week will read chapters 11 – 15.

Our questions are below. As always please feel free to answer as many, or as few as you want.

Jane meets her pupil, Adele Varens, in Chapter 11, and we learn more about her in subsequent chapters. How is this little girl contrasted with Jane herself, when she was a child?

How does Bronte set the general atmosphere surrounding Jane's  awkward meeting with Mr. Rochester, in the country lane, which takes place in Chapter 12? 

Jane states that she would not have offered her help to the fallen rider, had he been conventionally handsome. What does this tell the reader about Jane?

What further information about Jane's personality, and her philosophy of life, do her paintings convey?

What do you think is the real purpose of Mr. Rochester's interview of Jane? Or do you think it's the typical interview an employer would conduct, when hiring a new domestic employee?

Do you see any hints of foreshadowing in Chapter 14? Please explain. 

Post & Reading Schedule

Week 3: Oct. 6th

Reading: Chapters 11 - 14

Discussion Questions: Chapters 6 - 10

Discussion Questions for Next Week:

A Night's Dream of Books

Week 4: Oct. 13th

Reading: Chapters 15 - 19

Discussion Questions: Chapters 11 - 14

Discussion Questions for Next Week:

Babbling Books

Week 5: Oct. 20th

Reading: Chapters 20 - 23

Discussion Questions: Chapters 15 - 19

Discussion Questions for Next Week:

A Night's Dream of Books

Week 6: Oct. 27th

Reading: Chapters 24 - 28

Discussion Questions: Chapters 20 - 23

Discussion Questions for Next Week:

Babbling Books

Week 7: Nov. 3rd

Reading: Chapters 29 - 33

Discussion Questions: Chapters 24 - 28

Discussion Question for Next Week:

A Night's Dream of Books

Week 8: Nov. 10th

Reading: Chapters 34 - 38

Discussion Questions: Chapters 29 - 33

Discussion Questions for Next Week:

Babbling Books

Week 9: Nov. 17th

Discussion Questions, Chapters 34 - 38

Week 9: Nov. 21st

Book Reviews Posted

Please do not forget to use the below widget to link your post so we all can read it.