Jane Eyre: Social Class Quotes

Questions and Answers

What does John Reed say to Jane Eyre that highlights the balance of power due to the patriarchal structure of Victorian society?

Say, 'What do you want, Master Reed'

What does John Reed mean when he says, 'You have no business to take our books; you are a dependent'?

It highlights the social class structure and Jane's lack of rights due to her orphan status.

What does John Reed imply with the statement 'mamma says; you have no money;...you ought to beg.'?

It suggests that Jane should be grateful for charity rather than expecting equality.

What is Mr. B's mission according to his statement about the girls at Lowood?

To mortify the girls' lust of the flesh and promote sobriety over costly apparel. Signup and view all the answers

What do the 'velvet, silk, and furs' symbolize in the context of Mr. B's daughters?

Religious hypocrisy and an insult to piety. Signup and view all the answers

What does Jane mean by saying she is experiencing 'a new servitude' when going to Thornfield?

It refers to her financial independence and social mobility through education. Signup and view all the answers

What does Jane's feeling of jealousy signify in her statement about Miss Ingram?

It shows her degradation due to her class position and feelings of unworthiness. Signup and view all the answers

What does the simile 'All had a sweeping amplitude of array that seemed to magnify their persons as the mist magnifies the moon' imply?

It emphasizes the importance of upper-class political dominance and their false facades. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'diamond chain' and 'clasp bracelet' represent in Jane's transformation?

They signify how Mr. R transforms Jane with upper-class accessories, making her feel imprisoned. Signup and view all the answers

How does Jane feel when wearing silk furs?

She feels like a doll, stripped of her identity. Signup and view all the answers

What does Jane mean when she refers to herself as 'a slave' in expensive clothing?

She feels imprisoned by her attire and by Mr. R's control. Signup and view all the answers

What does Augusta Brocklehurst's comment about the girls at Lowood reveal?

It highlights the superiority felt by the upper class towards those of lower classes. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Jane find the idea of 'Jewels for Jane Eyre' strange?

She rejects Rochester's attempts to change her and adorn her with accessories. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

"What do you want, Master Reed" reflects the imbalance of power stemming from the patriarchal Victorian society, emphasizing class distinctions.
John Reed's declaration to Jane, "You have no business to take our books; you are a dependent," demonstrates the authoritative tone that reinforces the social hierarchy despite Jane's education.
The quote "mamma says; you have no money;...you ought to beg" indicates the expectation of gratitude from the lower class towards their benefactors, highlighting Victorian conservatism and subversion in social dynamics.

Religious Hypocrisy

Mr. Brocklehurst's mission to "mortify these girls" illustrates his Calvinist beliefs, showcasing the hypocrisy where the simplicity expected of the Lowood girls contrasts with the wealth of his own family.
The phrase "velvet, silk and furs" emphasizes the religious hypocrisy of Mr. Brocklehurst, portraying a stark insult to piety amidst luxury.

The concept of "a new servitude" captures Jane's journey to Thornfield, representing her financial independence through education as a governess—a role available to educated middle-class women in a patriarchal society.
Jane's self-deprecation in, "If a woman in my position could be jealous of a woman in Miss Ingrams," underlines her feelings of unworthiness due to her lower class status, showcasing internal conflict regarding social class and self-worth.

Upper Class Representation

The description of Mr. Rochester's guests: "All had a sweeping amplitude of array" suggests their upper-class status and political dominance, invoking gothic imagery that portrays the upper class as villains hiding their true nature.
Accessories like the "diamond chain" and "clasp bracelet" signify Jane's transformation and feelings of imprisonment within upper-class aesthetics, emphasizing financial inequality and the societal expectations on women.

Identity and Freedom

Jane's sensations of "annoyance and degradation" while in silk furs reveal her discomfort and alienation from her true self, representing the struggle for identity amidst societal pressures.
Feeling like "a slave" in expensive clothing reinforces the notion that love alone cannot liberate a woman; freedom and independence are essential for true empowerment.

Class Superiority

Augusta Brocklehurst's remark on the Lowood pupils portrays the upper class's condescension, viewing the girls as less than human and lacking compassion for those of lower status.
Jane's response to Rochester's gifts, "Jewels for Jane Eyre sounds strange," signifies her rejection of superficial trappings of social mobility, reaffirming her values and identity as a model Victorian woman.

Description

Explore key quotes from 'Jane Eyre' that illuminate the themes of social class and power dynamics in Victorian society. These flashcards delve into the interactions between Jane and the Reed family, showcasing the impact of class on individuals' identities and relationships.