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Questions and Answers
His marriage proposal to Jane is viewed as a ______ arrangement.
His marriage proposal to Jane is viewed as a ______ arrangement.
business
Rochester's ideal woman is described as intellectual, faithful, and ______.
Rochester's ideal woman is described as intellectual, faithful, and ______.
loving
Mr. Brocklehurst uses religion as a justification for ______.
Mr. Brocklehurst uses religion as a justification for ______.
punishment
Jane cannot profess the absolute, selfless faith that ______ represents.
Jane cannot profess the absolute, selfless faith that ______ represents.
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Much of the religious concern in Jane Eyre revolves around ______ and forgiveness.
Much of the religious concern in Jane Eyre revolves around ______ and forgiveness.
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The love between Jane and the wealthy but tormented ______ is at the heart of the story.
The love between Jane and the wealthy but tormented ______ is at the heart of the story.
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Helen Burns exemplifies the selfless love of a ______.
Helen Burns exemplifies the selfless love of a ______.
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Jane believes that a marriage without love, like the one between Rochester and ______, is unsustainable.
Jane believes that a marriage without love, like the one between Rochester and ______, is unsustainable.
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Jane refuses to live by Mrs. Reed's rules, which would restrict all ______.
Jane refuses to live by Mrs. Reed's rules, which would restrict all ______.
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St. John Rivers is intelligent but lacks the necessary ______ to live fully.
St. John Rivers is intelligent but lacks the necessary ______ to live fully.
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Study Notes
Jane Eyre Themes
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Love and Passion:
- Jane Eyre explores various types of love, including romantic love between Jane and Rochester, selfless friendship (Helen Burns), and the consequences of lacking love (Mrs. Reed, Reed children, Rochester/Bertha marriage).
- Passion is crucial to a fulfilling life, as exemplified by Jane's defiance of Mrs. Reed and all-consuming love for Rochester.
- However, moral reasoning influences Jane's choices, distinguishing her from less principled figures like Blanche Ingram (driven by wealth) or St. John Rivers (practical, passionless).
- Rochester's passion was destructive at times, but ultimately leads to atonement and redemption.
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Independence:
- Jane strives for recognition as an independent individual, rejecting control from figures like Mrs. Reed and Brocklehurst.
- She is a vital character that pushes for her own worth and values, inspiring others' acknowledgement.
- Love for her should come with acceptance, and that applies for Rochester towards her, but in contrast, Blanche and Lady Ingram view Jane as inferior. St. John Rivers also lacks this understanding, only seeing Jane as a tool for his plans.
- Jane's marriage to Rochester signifies their mutual independence and dependence on each other, essential components for their joy.
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God and Religion:
- Bronte critiques conventional views of Christianity highlighting hypocrisy and self-righteousness.
- Brocklehurst, the hypocritical religious leader, represents a contrasting figure to figures like Helen Burns (true Christianity) and Jane.
- Jane demonstrates a non-doctrinal faith and is frequently religious in prayer, although never fully committing in a doctrine or belief
- Rochester is imperfect, a significant but flawed Christian character, who atones for his mistakes through grief and redemption in love with Jane.
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Atonement and Forgiveness:
- Rochester's remorse, confession of past sins and efforts towards improvement, but is only fully redeemed by Jane's forgiveness.
- The destructive fire serves as a form of atonement.
- Jane's forgiveness of Rochester is key to his redemption.
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Search for Home and Family:
- Jane's search for belonging and stability throughout the narrative is vital.
- Various locations represent different experiences of home: Gateshead Hall (hostile), Lowood Institution (temporary), and Thornfield Hall (idealized).
- Jane's family is a significant aspect of the story as her search for family is a powerful motive
- Ultimately, Jane discovers a sense of family and belonging through the acceptance of her family and the love from Rochester
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Description
Explore the intricate themes of love and independence in 'Jane Eyre'. This quiz delves into the relationships that shape Jane's identity and the moral dilemmas she faces. Test your understanding of how passion and personal freedom are portrayed throughout the novel.
