Jane Eyre Chapter 5 Flashcards

Character Introductions

• Maria Temple and Helen Burns are introduced as significant figures in Jane's life.
• Helen represents resilience and a contrasting view on suffering.

Symbolism of the Moon

• The moon serves as a metaphor for change in Jane's life, reflecting her evolving circumstances.

Initial Introduction of the Moon

• The moon is first introduced when Jane travels to Gateshead, marking a pivotal moment.

Food as Symbolism

• Food symbolizes Jane's desires, representing more than physical nourishment; it reflects her emotional and social needs.
• Examples of inadequate food given to the girls include burnt porridge.

Acceptance and Satisfaction

• Jane begins to feel fulfilled and no longer starved for food when she is accepted by her peers and starts achieving success in her studies.

Literature Reflection

• Helen is seen reading "Rasselas," which is a tale about the vanities of the world, highlighting her sacrificial nature.

Jane’s Perception of Rasselas

• Jane shows no interest in Helen's reading of Rasselas, as she feels young and believes she must develop her own understanding of the world.

Maternal Influence

• Bessie is introduced as Jane's first motherly figure, showcasing early relational dynamics.

Physiognomy

• Miss Temple's appearance aligns with Victorian beliefs in physiognomy, suggesting that outward appearance may indicate personality traits.

Physiognomy Overview

• Physiognomy is rooted in the belief that a person's exterior can reflect their inner characteristics.

Thematic Imagery

• Ice often contrasts with the fiery nature of Jane's passion and spirit, representing oppressive forces against her vitality.

Fire as a Metaphor

• Fire symbolizes Jane's passion and anger, embodying her spirited nature and resistance.

Ice Symbolism

• Ice imagery represents emotional desolation, loneliness, and death, reinforcing themes of isolation.

Quotes Reflecting Themes

• “A ridge of lighted heath, alive, glancing, devouring” suggests fire as a metaphor for Jane's vibrant character.
• Rochester describes Jane's eyes as “flaming and flashing,” further emphasizing her passionate spirit.

Visual Associations

• Fire and ice imagery frequently appear in connection with barren landscapes and seascapes, enhancing the novel's thematic depth.

Miss Temple's Role

• Miss Temple symbolizes sanctuary and support, which contrasts starkly with the oppressive environment of the school.

Lowood's Significance

• "Lowood" serves as an aptronym, representing a significant low point in Jane's challenging life experiences.

Sound and Character Reflection

• The use of guttural sounds associated with "Miss Scatcherd" conveys abrasiveness, reflecting the harshness of her character.

Aptronym Analysis

• The name “Burns” suggests Helen's deep, sacrificial passion for her beliefs, foreshadowing her fate at Lowood.

Focus on Future and Afterlife

• Helen's thoughts of "thinking of something beyond her punishment" illustrate her hopeful outlook toward the future, despite current suffering.

Brocklehurst's Phonetics

• The name "Brocklehurst" phonetically resembles “hearse,” hinting at the somber tone of the educational environment he oversees.

Key Dates

• Jane departs from Gateshead on January 19, symbolizing a transition in her life journey.

Inspirations for Lowood

• Lowood is modeled after the Clergy Daughters' School at Cowan Bridge, echoing the grim realities of charity school life.

Chapter Themes

• Chapter 5 highlights the harsh realities faced by students in Victorian charity schools, emphasizing themes of neglect and institutional suffering.

Contrast in Appearances

• Miss Temple's appearance starkly contrasts with Mr. Brocklehurst's austere demeanor, underlining the imbalance of compassion within the institution.

Jane's Aspirations

• Jane's goals at the story's outset include learning to recognize character and finding a role model who embodies her values.

Environmental Descriptions

• The weather is portrayed vividly, with phrases like “the rain falls in torrents” and “the wind rave in furious gusts” emphasizing a turbulent atmosphere.

Miss Temple’s Physical Description

• Miss Temple is described with details like “relieved the whiteness of her large front,” enhancing her warm and benevolent image.

Oracle-like Qualities of Miss Temple

• “She is above the rest because she knows far more than they do” indicates Miss Temple’s intelligence and moral superiority among the peers.

Symbolism of Weather

• The description of “yellow fog” contributes to the gloomy and oppressive atmosphere that surrounds Jane during her time at Lowood.

Group Dynamics

• The phrase “herded together” illustrates the collective suffering of the girls, highlighting their pale and thin conditions in the harsh school environment.