Jane Eyre: Fire in Rochester's Room

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Questions and Answers

What is the most likely reason the narrator both wished and feared to see Mr. Rochester?

She needed to clarify instructions regarding Adèle's studies but worried about his reaction to a recent misunderstanding.
She wanted to confront him about rumors she had heard circulating among the servants regarding his past.
She was grappling with newly awakened romantic feelings for him, creating a conflict between attraction and apprehension. (correct)
She was concerned about his well-being after hearing the commotion near his room and wanted to offer assistance.

The servants' discussion reveals what about the fire incident?

Mr. Rochester was able to extinguish a fire in his room, preventing it from spreading. (correct)
Mr. Rochester intentionally started the fire to collect insurance money but was caught before the fire spread.
The servants are intentionally covering up the true cause of the fire to protect Mr. Rochester's reputation.
The fire was caused by a faulty water-jug that malfunctioned near an open flame.

What is the significance of Leah rubbing the panes of glass?

It suggests she is attempting to eavesdrop on a private conversation between Mr. Rochester and Grace Poole.
It indicates her general dislike of dirt and her compulsive need to have things clean.
It symbolizes an attempt to erase or obscure evidence related to the fire incident.
It highlights the superficial nature of the cleanup, as deeper issues remain unresolved. (correct)

Grace Poole's demeanor following the fire is best described as:

Calm and collected, showing no outward signs of guilt or distress. (A) Signup and view all the answers

The narrator's intention to 'put her to some test' reveals:

A desire to protect Mr. Rochester from further harm by uncovering Grace Poole's true intentions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely reason Grace Poole is sewing rings to new curtains?

She is fulfilling her duties as a servant, restoring order to the room after the fire. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the description of Grace Poole challenge the narrator's (and the reader's) expectations?

Her apparent lack of emotion and remorse conflicts with the gravity of the alleged crime. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'such absolute impenetrability is past comprehension' suggest about the narrator?

The narrator is deeply unsettled by Grace Poole's inscrutable nature and suspects something is amiss. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary internal conflict Jane grapples with regarding Mr. Rochester's potential involvement with Grace Poole?

Jane struggles to reconcile her growing romantic feelings for Mr. Rochester with the unsettling possibility of his entanglement in a disturbing secret involving Grace Poole. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the author use Adèle's observation of Jane's physical state ('Vos doigts tremblent comme la feuille, et vos joues sont rouges: mais, rouges comme des cerises!') to enhance the narrative?

It externalizes Jane's internal agitation, making her emotional state palpable and foreshadowing further disturbances. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does Jane's reflection, 'I compared myself with her, and found we were different. Bessie Leaven had said I was quite a lady; and she spoke truth—I was a lady,' reveal about her psychological state?

It indicates Jane's attempt to reassure herself of her own worth and respectability in the face of unsettling suspicions and social uncertainties. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Jane's anticipation of Mr. Rochester's return, marked by her statement, 'expectation has been so long baffled that it is grown impatient?'

It reveals the heightened tension and suspense in the narrative as Jane's longing intensifies. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the narrative purpose of detailing Jane's internal debate about confronting Mr. Rochester, noting that 'it little mattered whether my curiosity irritated him; I knew the pleasure of vexing and soothing him by turns?'

It reveals Jane's understanding of her dynamic with Mr. Rochester, highlighting her ability to engage him intellectually and emotionally. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does Mrs. Fairfax's revelation of Mr. Rochester's journey to the Leas impact Jane's emotional state and understanding of her position at Thornfield?

It reinforces Jane's feelings of isolation and social inferiority, leading her to question her future at Thornfield. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Mrs. Fairfax’s description of Blanche Ingram as the 'belle of the evening' during a Christmas ball Mr. Rochester hosted years prior?

It serves to contrast Blanche Ingram’s conventional beauty and social status with Jane’s plainness and humble background. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Considering Mrs. Fairfax’s comments about Mr. Rochester being well-regarded by the ladies due to his 'acquirements and abilities, perhaps his wealth and good blood,' what underlying societal critique is implied?

It critiques the superficiality of social interactions and the commodification of personal qualities in the marriage market. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How might Jane's instinct to ‘vex and soothe’ Mr. Rochester be interpreted in the context of their evolving relationship?

As a playful yet assertive way for Jane to establish equality and intimacy within their unconventional dynamic. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does Jane’s curiosity about Grace Poole and her insistence on questioning Mr. Rochester about her reveal about Jane’s character and her approach to social hierarchy?

Jane's curiosity highlights her intelligence, independence, and unwillingness to accept unexplained mysteries, regardless of social conventions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Considering the limited social mobility afforded to women in Jane's era, how does her assertion, 'Retaining every minute form of respect, every propriety of my station, I could still meet him in argument without fear or uneasy restraint,' challenge conventional gender roles?

It reveals Jane's belief that social decorum can be a tool for subverting expectations and asserting intellectual equality. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the narrative juxtapose Jane's internal thoughts and desires with Mrs. Fairfax’s more conventional and socially conditioned perspectives?

The juxtaposition underscores Jane’s progressive mindset against the backdrop of traditional Victorian values, emphasizing her internal rebellion. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why does Jane Eyre criticize herself so harshly after learning about Blanche Ingram?

She is trying to suppress her growing feelings for Mr. Rochester, recognizing the unlikelihood of a relationship due to their differences in social status and appearance. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the setting of Thornfield Hall, particularly the contrast between its grand exterior and the hidden secrets within, mirror Jane’s internal state and the broader themes of the novel?

The setting represents the duality of appearance versus reality, reflecting Jane's struggle to discern truth from deception. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does Jane Eyre's plan to paint two portraits—one of herself and one of Blanche Ingram—reveal about her state of mind?

It reflects her determination to confront and suppress, through a visual comparison, any romantic notions she has about Mr. Rochester. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are the broader implications of Mrs. Fairfax's belief that Mr. Rochester's 'wealth and good blood make amends for any little fault of look'?

It highlights the societal tendency to overlook flaws in those of high social standing, perpetuating inequality and reinforcing class structures. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the conversation between the narrator (Jane Eyre) and Mrs. Fairfax contribute to Jane's internal conflict?

It offers Jane a realistic view of her prospects with Mr. Rochester, contrasting with her growing romantic feelings. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the author use free indirect discourse to convey Jane's perspective and create a sense of intimacy between the reader and the protagonist?

By seamlessly blending Jane's thoughts and feelings with the narrator's voice, creating a sense of immediacy and emotional connection. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the phrase 'Portrait of a Governess, disconnected, poor, and plain,' which Jane resolves to write under her self-portrait?

It is a deliberate attempt to reinforce her awareness of her social disadvantages and discourage any romantic fantasies involving Mr. Rochester. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does Jane's detailed recollection of Mrs. Fairfax's description of Blanche Ingram suggest about Jane's insecurities?

It underscores Jane's awareness of her own perceived lack of conventional beauty and social standing, which she believes makes her undesirable to Mr. Rochester. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Jane's internal monologue serve as a 'trial'?

It enables her to dissect her feelings and actions with reason and judgment, leading to a self-imposed verdict on her romantic hopes. (D) Signup and view all the answers

The phrase 'rejected the real, and rabidly devoured the ideal' is used to describe which aspect of Jane's behavior?

Her inclination to dismiss practical considerations in favor of indulging in romantic fantasies about Mr. Rochester. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the introduction of the age difference between Mr. Rochester and Blanche Ingram (forty and twenty-five, respectively) function in the narrative?

It serves to highlight the social dynamics of the time and the acceptability of such age gaps in relationships of convenience among the wealthy. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Considering Jane's declaration, 'I will endure only sense and resolution,' what internal struggle is she trying to overcome?

Her inclination to succumb to romantic fantasies and irrational hope, which she believes will only lead to heartbreak. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does Jane's act of 'arraigning' herself at her own 'bar' suggest about her approach to self-awareness?

It demonstrates her ability to analyze her own thoughts and feelings objectively, as though she were an outsider. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the contrast between the 'aerial lace and glistening satin' of Blanche Ingram's attire and Jane's plain governess dress emphasize a central theme of the novel?

It underscores the theme of social inequality and the barriers that prevent individuals from different classes from forming genuine connections. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred from Jane's description of Miss Ingram as admired not only for her beauty but also for her accomplishments?

That women were primarily valued for their beauty, with accomplishments being a secondary consideration. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the implied significance of Mrs. Fairfax noting that neither Miss Ingram nor her sister have very large fortunes?

It explains why they have not yet been married, suggesting that financial status influences marriage prospects. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying significance of Jane resolving to draw her own picture 'faithfully, without softening one defect'?

It represents her attempt to confront her self-perceived inadequacies and discourage any romantic notions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does Jane's contrasting of the portrait of herself with the imagined portrait of Blanche Ingram reveal about her understanding of social dynamics?

It highlights her awareness of the social hierarchy and her place within it. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most plausible reason Grace Poole inquires about whether the narrator bolted her door?

To ascertain the narrator's level of vigilance and adjust her own plans accordingly, possibly involving further unsettling events. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the narrator's perception of Grace Poole shift throughout this passage?

From seeing her as a harmless, eccentric servant to suspecting she wields a strange power or influence over Mr. Rochester. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely reason Mr. Rochester does not openly accuse/punish Grace Poole?

He is somehow beholden to her, possibly due to a past secret or an ongoing arrangement that gives her leverage over him. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the narrator interpret Grace Poole's demeanor and statements in their conversation?

As a carefully constructed facade designed to conceal her involvement in the mysterious events at Thornfield. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator's heightened awareness and suspicion reveal about her character in this section of the passage?

She possesses a keen observational ability and an independent spirit, willing to question authority and challenge deception. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Considering the dialogue and context, what literary device is most prominently employed in the interaction between the narrator and Grace Poole?

Subtext, where the underlying meaning of their words and actions carries more weight than their literal interpretations. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How might Grace Poole's mention of the plate-closet and the lack of servants be interpreted, considering the context of their conversation?

As a subtle form of intimidation, suggesting the vulnerability of Thornfield Hall and perhaps implying a threat to the narrator. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Grace Poole's final remark about Providence and the use of 'means'?

It subtly justifies her own calculated actions, implying that she is merely using the 'means' at her disposal to achieve a divinely ordained outcome. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Given the limited information, what is the most reasonable inference about Grace Poole's 'malignant pranks'?

They are subtle acts of psychological manipulation and intimidation designed to maintain control and create an atmosphere of fear. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the introduction of the cook interrupt and influence the scene between the narrator and Grace Poole?

It diffuses the tension and prevents further escalation, leaving the narrator with unresolved suspicions and unanswered questions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What underlying theme is explored through the interactions and power dynamics between the narrator, Grace Poole, and Mr. Rochester?

The subversion of social hierarchies, where those in positions of power are secretly controlled by those they deem inferior. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator's internal pondering about Grace Poole's past appearance and potential 'originality and strength of character' suggest about her?

She struggles to reconcile societal expectations of beauty and power with the reality of Grace Poole's unconventional influence. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does Mrs. Fairfax's statement that she heard nothing during the night contribute to the overall atmosphere of the passage?

It heightens the sense of mystery and unease, suggesting that either Mrs. Fairfax is deliberately concealing something or is strangely unaware of the events occurring around her. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Considering the narrator's closing thoughts, what is the most plausible reason she was instructed to keep the events of the previous night a secret?

To protect Mr. Rochester's reputation and prevent scandal, as openly acknowledging Grace Poole's actions would reflect poorly on him. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the setting of Thornfield Hall itself contribute to the central conflict and themes explored in this passage?

Its isolation and large size create an atmosphere of secrecy and confinement, making it difficult to discern the truth and increasing the narrator's vulnerability. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Wishing

A feeling of wanting to see someone again.

Fearing

A feeling of anxiety about meeting someone.