Jane is isolated from the family even further, and Jane questions this, asking Mrs. Reed “What would Uncle Reed say?” Mr. Brocklehurst appears and questions Jane to find if she is suitable for his school. Mrs. Reed states that Jane is a bad child, and Jane speaks up about how she feels.
Themes
Isolation plays a part again, as Mrs. Reed further cuts out Jane from life, telling her children to ignore Jane, and cutting her out of Christmas and other joyful things. Jane seems to spend most of her time in her room. Religion also plays a major part with Mr. Brocklehurst’s questioning, showing how Jane has not fully grasped the whole idea of Christianity, saying that to avoid hell, she must not die. Fire is also mentioned in connection to this, saying that hell is just a huge pit of fire, where Jane will be eternally burnt if she's not good.
Characters
- Mr. Brocklehurst, the owner of Lowood Institute, is a very religious man, who also seems pretty up himself. He is more ready to believe Mrs. Reed than Jane, as Mrs. Reed is older, and Jane just a disobedient child.
Motifs
Couldn’t find any in this chapter, but perhaps others disagree
Narrative voice
Jane seems much more outspoken here, with less of a curb on her emotions. This shows the reader how she is breaking free of her quiet demeanor and growing into whom she is now.
Response
I like the way Jane finally stands up to her tormentors, and how she interprets the religious teaching that had been drummed into her since birth.
1 comment:
A very good start Elle. I like the way you engage with the text and the questions you ask. You are making some perceptive comments. The question about Jane's age is interesting. I'm at college without a copy of the book to hand. I think there's a reference to John being a couple of years older than Jane and I'm sure his age is given as 14. I might be wrong. So Jane could be 12. I'll find out later and talk to you tomorrow. Perhaps you'll find out before I do.
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