Notes for the week of February 9-13
The questions below are not a homework assignment. They are for you to review so that you can be ready for discussion at the next class.
- Now that she's a young adult, where does Jane's behavior still make her seem like a victim child abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect? Cite a passage that shows it. IMPORTANT: this question isn't looking for examples of people abusing her. I am asking how HER behavior is typical of someone who is a victim: her reactions, opinions, thoughts, etc.
- The "social commentary" of the Lowood episode was mostly centered on critiquing Brocklehurst and his institution. What kinds of social commentary (complaints or suggestion about the way people or institutions are in her time) can be seen in the Thornfield chapters? Cite a passage.
- Do chapters 11-18 promote rebellion and passion or constraint, caution, and assimilation. Give reasons for thinking so.
- Several female characters can be seen as mirror-images of Jane or visions of "Jane as she could have been / might become." Pick one female character from chapters 11-18 and explain how and why she's presented as a duplicate or version of Jane.
- Reactions to Rochester are extremely varied. Choose one particular moment in the text and show how it could be used to support either extreme argument: 1) that Rochester is a perfect, "right" match for Jane; 2) that Rochester is a dangerous/unhealthy/inappropriate object for Jane's attentions.
