Jane Eyre: Life at Lowood

Questions and Answers

How long is the journey from Porter's Lodge to Jane's new school?

50 miles

What is Jane afraid of on her journey to the school?

Being kidnapped

What do the girls at Lowood have for dinner?

Water and thin oaten cakes

Why don't any of the girls eat breakfast?

It's burnt Signup and view all the answers

Who is Maria Temple?

The superintendent of Lowood Signup and view all the answers

Why does Maria give the girls a lunch of bread and cheese?

She feels bad that they were not able to eat the burnt porridge Signup and view all the answers

What sort of school is Lowood?

One for orphans Signup and view all the answers

Why does Jane admire Helen?

She is composed Signup and view all the answers

How does Jane feel about Helen's tolerance?

She doesn't understand it Signup and view all the answers

What does Helen say Jane should do about Mrs. Reed?

Forgive her and forget all she has done; don't become obsessed with being angry at her Signup and view all the answers

What is bad about Lowood?

Food is scarce and they are always cold because their clothes are thin and old Signup and view all the answers

What unpleasant visitor comes in chapter 7?

Mr. Brocklehurst comes to inspect the school Signup and view all the answers

Why is Mr. Brocklehurst annoyed that Maria gave the girls lunch?

He has to pay for it; he doesn't want them to grow accustomed to a life of luxury and privilege; he says it is bad for their souls and they should think of it as a happy martyrdom Signup and view all the answers

What does Brocklehurst call Jane?

An alien and interloper; a liar Signup and view all the answers

What doesn't Jane think she could live without?

Friends Signup and view all the answers

What does Maria tell Jane she'll do in response to Jane sharing about the awful life she had with her aunt?

Write to Mr. Lloyd and see if their stories line up Signup and view all the answers

What do Maria, Jane, and Helen all do together in chapter 8?

Have tea and Seed cake Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Mr. Lloyd responds to Maria?

Jane's name is cleared Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the girls at Lowood when spring comes?

Many of them get typhus and are sent away or die Signup and view all the answers

How many of the 80 girls got sick at one time?

45 Signup and view all the answers

Where does Jane like to go in the spring?

The forest Signup and view all the answers

Why is Helen not kept in the hospital section of the school with the rest of the girls?

She is sick with Tuberculosis/Consumption, not typhus Signup and view all the answers

Why does Helen think her death is fortunate?

She gets to be in Heaven with God and will escape many sufferings Signup and view all the answers

How much time has passed in chapter 10?

8 years Signup and view all the answers

What were the advantages of the typhus outbreak?

People helped build a new building, new regulations were made, new diets and clothes were introduced, and the school's funds were given to a committee Signup and view all the answers

What does Jane become when she finishes school?

A teacher at Lowood Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Maria?

She serves as Jane's mentor before getting married and moving away Signup and view all the answers

What does Jane realize once Maria leaves?

She no longer wants to stay at Lowood Signup and view all the answers

How long has it been since Jane has seen or spoken to the Reeds?

8 years Signup and view all the answers

What does Jane do in an attempt to get out of Lowood?

Advertise herself as an available tutor or governess who can teach English, French, drawing, and music Signup and view all the answers

What offer does Jane get?

A job as a governess to a little girl under 10 Signup and view all the answers

Where is Jane's new job?

Thornfield in Millcote Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Brocklehurst say must be done in order for Jane to leave Lowood?

A letter must be sent to Mrs. Reed Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Reed say in her letter?

Jane can do what she likes; she has no place in her affairs Signup and view all the answers

Who comes to visit Jane?

Bessie Signup and view all the answers

What has happened to Bessie since Jane left?

She has married Robert Leaven, moved out of Gateshead, and had two children Signup and view all the answers

What has happened to John Reed since Jane left?

He flunked out of college, failed to become a barrister, and spends his mom's money Signup and view all the answers

What does Bessie tell Jane?

7 years ago, Jane's uncle came looking for her Signup and view all the answers

What country did Jane's uncle have to go to?

Madeira Signup and view all the answers

Where is Jane when Helen Burns dies?

Sleeping with her arms around Helen Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Journey to Lowood

The journey from Porter's Lodge to Lowood spans 50 miles.
Jane fears being kidnapped during her travel to the school.

Life at Lowood

Dinner for the girls consists of water and thin oaten cakes.
Breakfast is often not consumed because it's burnt.
Lowood School is primarily for orphans, highlighting its charitable nature.

Characters and Relationships

Maria Temple serves as the superintendent of Lowood.
Maria provides lunch of bread and cheese to the girls out of concern for their well-being after the burnt porridge incident.
Jane admires Helen Burns for her composed demeanor, although she struggles to understand Helen's tolerance towards adversity.

Philosophy of Forgiveness

Helen advises Jane to forgive Mrs. Reed and not to dwell on anger, emphasizing the importance of letting go.

Conditions at Lowood

The environment is harsh, with scarce food and inadequate clothing leading to constant coldness.
Mr. Brocklehurst, the school inspector, expresses disapproval of extra provisions given to the girls, focusing on a doctrine of hardship and humility.

Jane's Development

Jane feels isolated, expressing that she could not live without friends.
Maria promises to check the reliability of stories about Jane’s mistreatment by Mrs. Reed.

Health Crisis

A typhus outbreak affects many girls at Lowood, leading to scores of illnesses and fatalities.
Spring brings a significant decline in health, with 45 out of 80 girls falling ill simultaneously.

Change and Growth

After eight years, Jane becomes a teacher at Lowood and starts contemplating her future.
The typhus outbreak unexpectedly improves school conditions, prompting new regulations and improving living standards.

Jane's Future Plans

Jane desires freedom and advertises herself as a tutor/ governess, leading to an offer to teach at Thornfield.
She receives approval to leave Lowood contingent on a letter being sent to Mrs. Reed.

Reunion with Old Associates

Bessie visits Jane, revealing significant changes in her life, including marriage and children.
John Reed's failures are highlighted, showing his decline since Jane’s departure.

Family History

Jane learns her uncle had sought her out seven years prior but ultimately went off to Madeira.
During Helen's death, Jane is beside her, illustrating their deep bond.

Conclusions

Jane's experience at Lowood marks a pivotal point in her life, shaping her character and aspirations for independence.

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Description

Explore the experiences of Jane Eyre at Lowood School, a charity institution for orphans. This quiz covers daily life, key relationships, and the philosophy of forgiveness that shapes Jane's character. Test your knowledge on the challenges and teachings Jane encounters during her time at Lowood.