Jane Eyre: Chapters 9-21 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the main idea expressed in the summary of Chapter 9?

Life at Lowood briefly seems happier but is disrupted by a typhus epidemic, leading to the death of Jane's friend, Helen.

What happens in the summary of Chapter 10?

Conditions at Lowood improve dramatically, Jane excels in her studies, and she eventually leaves to work as a governess at Thornfield.

What does Jane first think of Thornfield as described in Chapter 11?

She finds the interior of Thornfield 'cosy and agreeable.'

What is Adèle's character like as mentioned in Chapter 12?

Adèle is exuberant and intelligent, though spoiled and at times a bit petulant. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Rochester's interaction with Jane in Chapter 13 reveal about his character?

He is abrupt and cold but is intrigued by Jane's drawings. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurs in Chapter 15 involving Rochester?

Rochester shares details about his past relationship with Adèle's mother, Celine Varens, and Jane saves him from a fire. Signup and view all the answers

How does Jane feel about Rochester's absence in Chapter 16?

She is disappointed because Rochester will be in the company of Blanche Ingram. Signup and view all the answers

What unsettling news does Jane learn in Chapter 19?

She discovers that Mr. Mason has arrived at Thornfield and Rochester seems troubled by this. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Jane's dreams in Chapter 21?

She dreams of children for seven nights and learns of her cousin John Reed's suicide and her aunt's impending death. Signup and view all the answers

What romantic ideals are expressed in Chapter 9, and how do they contrast with other themes?

Beauty of nature vs. illness Signup and view all the answers

How does Jane change after her eight years at Lowood as described in Chapter 11?

She develops her interests but loses some childlike passion and becomes more controlled in her reactions. Signup and view all the answers

What restlessness does Jane recognize about herself in Chapter 12?

She acknowledges a desire to experience more of the world beyond her current surroundings. Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of Jane and Rochester's first conversation at Thornfield as mentioned in Chapter 13?

The conversation is cold and awkward, revealing both characters' perplexity with each other. Signup and view all the answers

What do the three pictures depicted in Chapter 13 represent?

They depict nature in a dreamlike manner, reflecting Jane's curiosity about the world. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Grace Poole, and how does she relate to the incidents in Thornfield as described in Chapter 15?

Grace is a servant with a mysterious background who seems to have power and connection to odd occurrences on the third floor. Signup and view all the answers

How does Jane's next conversation with Rochester differ from the first?

It is more banter and less of Rochester interrogating Jane. Signup and view all the answers

What does Rochester say about Jane learning to be natural with him?

He says that Jane will learn to be natural with him as she gets more accustomed to her nature. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Jane saving Rochester from the fire significant?

It shows that she acts without ulterior motives, which makes Rochester fall in love with her. Signup and view all the answers

How does Jane distinguish memory from reason?

She suppresses her romantic thoughts due to her financial status. Signup and view all the answers

How does Jane feel about Rochester upon his return?

She is in love with him and finds his unconventional looks beautiful. Signup and view all the answers

How does Mrs. Fairfax describe Blanche Ingram?

Mrs. Fairfax describes her as very beautiful with brilliant accomplishments. Signup and view all the answers

Why can't Jane let her love for Rochester go despite believing he will marry Ingram?

Seeing Miss Ingram fail to charm Rochester makes Jane fall more in love with him. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Rochester dress up as a gipsy?

To find out Jane's true feelings about his marriage with Miss Ingram. Signup and view all the answers

How does Chapter 20 begin?

It begins with the moonlight awakening Jane. Signup and view all the answers

What changes do we see in Rochester and Jane's relationship in Chapter 21?

They become friendlier and their conversations are less rude. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Mr. John Reed's fate?

He committed suicide because he was a terrible person towards Jane. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Jane think of upon Mrs. Reed's death?

She thinks of Helen Burns and her dying moments. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways does the novel conform to and reject Victorian ideals?

It conforms to domesticity and religion but rejects social conventions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 9 Summary

Life at Lowood improves briefly in spring, but a typhus outbreak affects more than half the girls.
Jane stays healthy, fostering a friendship with Mary Ann Wilson.
Helen Burns is dying of consumption; Jane sneaks into Miss Temple’s room to see her.
Helen expresses peace regarding her impending death, and she dies in Jane’s arms.
Helen’s grave remains unmarked initially but later receives a marble tablet inscribed with "Resurgam."

Chapter 10 Summary

After Mr. Brocklehurst’s negligence is exposed, a new group of overseers improve conditions at Lowood.
Jane excels in her studies over the next six years and later becomes a teacher.
With Miss Temple’s departure due to marriage, Jane seeks a governess position and accepts a job at Thornfield.

Chapter 11 Summary

Jane arrives at Thornfield at night, meeting Mrs. Fairfax, the housekeeper, not the owner.
She will be tutoring Adèle, an eight-year-old girl whose mother was a performer.
Jane learns about Mr. Rochester’s eccentricity and troubling family history.
Strange laughter is heard in the house, attributed to Grace Poole, an unpredictable seamstress.

Chapter 12 Summary

Jane enjoys her time at Thornfield, finding Adèle to be intelligent but spoiled.
She experiences restlessness, yearning for more than her confined environment.
One night, Jane watches a horse and rider approach, recalling a local ghost story.
Rochester falls from his horse, and Jane assists him after the incident.

Chapter 13 Summary

Mr. Rochester treats Jane and Adèle brusquely during tea but shows interest in Jane’s artwork.
Mrs. Fairfax explains Rochester’s difficult family background and his status as Thornfield’s proprietor.

Chapter 14 Summary

Jane and Rochester's interactions remain minimal initially; he invites them for tea.
During a private conversation, Jane inadvertently tells Rochester he is unattractive.
They delve into discussions on sin and redemption, strengthening their connection.

Chapter 15 Summary

Rochester shares his past with Adèle’s mother, Celine Varens, and denies paternity.
Jane’s safety instincts activate when she hears eerie noises, leading to Rochester’s rescue after a fire incident.

Chapter 16 Summary

The incident with the fire creates no scandal; Rochester maintains a façade of normalcy.
Jane develops feelings for Rochester but struggles with her self-image compared to Blanche Ingram.
She confronts her emotions, grounding herself in reality through art.

Chapter 17 Summary

Jane worries about Rochester’s potential departure to Europe and the impact on their relationship.
Upon Rochester's return with guests, Jane observes the superficial dynamics of the aristocratic company.

Chapter 18 Summary

Jane suspects a marriage between Rochester and Blanche is imminent, despite their lack of apparent affection.
Mr. Mason's mysterious arrival at Thornfield raises suspicions about Rochester’s past.

Chapter 19 Summary

Jane’s encounter with the fortune-telling gypsy captivates her, revealing deep insights about her happiness.
The gypsy is revealed to be Rochester in disguise, hinting at their connection and complicating Jane's feelings.

Chapter 20 Summary

Rochester leads Jane to Mr. Mason’s injury, showcasing his reliance on her help and revealing darker elements of Thornfield.
They discuss morality and redemption, mirroring Rochester’s tormented state and avoiding a direct addressing of feelings.

Chapter 21 Summary

Jane learns of family tragedies and feels a connection to Gateshead, reflecting on her roots.
She receives a letter from her uncle proposing to adopt her and inherit his fortune, revealing Mrs. Reed’s malice.

Chapter 14 Analysis

Jane’s reflections juxtapose youth's beauty against Helen’s suffering, stimulating questions of the afterlife.

Chapter 11 Analysis

Jane matures at Lowood, retaining her justice-oriented outlook while becoming more self-controlled.

Chapter 12 Analysis

Jane recognizes her restlessness reflects a universal experience, especially among women regarding societal restraints.

Chapter 12 Reflection

Rochester disrupts Jane's monotony, her kindness towards him marking a shift in her otherwise passive existence.

Chapter 13 Analysis

Initial conversations between Jane and Rochester are characterized by bluntness and unexpected honesty that bridge their differences.

Chapter 13 Art Significance

Jane’s unique and dreamlike nature paintings intrigue Rochester, symbolizing her longing for deeper experiences.

Chapter 15 Analysis

Grace Poole’s enigmatic presence raises questions about Rochester’s past while paralleling Jane’s transformative journey.

Chapter 16 Conversation Dynamics

Their banter deepens the relationship, moving beyond initial awkwardness to genuine connection and vulnerability.

Chapter 16 Rescue Significance

Jane’s selfless act that saves Rochester reveals the emergence of mutual affection devoid of ulterior motives.

Chapter 17 Feelings Evaluation

Jane's love for Rochester blossoms, heightened by their emotional and intellectual compatibility.

Chapter 18 Ingram Analysis

Mrs. Fairfax portrays Blanche as unkind, and Jane perceives her superficiality, yet Jane struggles to let go of her feelings for Rochester.### Character Analysis
Blanche Ingram is portrayed as beautiful and accomplished, yet Jane views her as mentally inferior with unoriginal thoughts.
Jane's inability to move on from Mr. Rochester is exacerbated by Ingram’s failure to charm him, deepening her affection for Rochester.

Rochester's Disguise in Chapter 19

Rochester dresses as a gipsy to assess Jane's true feelings regarding his potential marriage to Miss Ingram.
He seeks confirmation that Miss Ingram's interest is financially motivated rather than genuine affection.
Rochester aims to discover Jane's intentions at Thornfield and her true feelings for him.

Gothic Elements in Chapter 20

The chapter opens with Jane awakening to moonlight, observing shadows and intricate Gothic decor, highlighting the house's gloomy atmosphere.
Rochester comments on Jane's innocence, suggesting her naivety prevents her from perceiving the house's darker aspects and secrets.

Evolving Relationship in Chapter 21

The relationship between Jane and Rochester shifts to a friendlier tone, with less rudeness and more mutual respect.
Rochester acknowledges Jane’s significance in his life, indicating emotional growth in their connection.
His interest in Jane's family background stems from a desire to understand her lineage and potential obstacles to their marriage.
They part on amicable terms, with Rochester expressing a heartfelt goodbye, and his paintings suggest he is constantly in Jane's thoughts.

The Fate of Mr. John Reed

John's suicide underscores the consequences of his cruelty towards Jane, reflecting Victorian moral values.
Georgiana and Eliza embody extremes of Victorian femininity—socialite versus reclusive moralist—illustrating the harsh societal expectations placed on women.
Their hostile interactions highlight the tension between their contrasting lifestyles.
Jane distinguishes between feelings (emotional) and judgment (rational), noting their potential to conflict.

Reflection on Mrs. Reed's Death

Upon Mrs. Reed's death, Jane reflects on Helen Burns, particularly her appearance during sickness, indicating deep emotional ties and memories.
It is revealed that Jane has an uncle who intended to adopt her, which surprises her.
Jane forgives Mrs. Reed for hiding the adoption letter, while Mrs. Reed remains defensive and hostile towards Jane.

Victorian Ideals in the Novel

The novel both conforms to and rejects Victorian standards, showcasing domesticity through characters like Georgiana and Eliza representing gender roles.
Elements of religion are present through characters like Helen and Jane, emphasizing moral frameworks of the time.
The unconventional match between Rochester and Jane challenges societal norms and highlights issues of class and gender.
Jane’s character embodies romantic ideals, juxtaposed against the backdrop of a Victorian society that often stifles individuality and love.

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Description

Explore the key events and themes from Chapters 9 to 21 of 'Jane Eyre'. This set of flashcards provides summaries and insights into Jane's life at Lowood School and her relationships with fellow students. Perfect for students studying the novel or preparing for exams.