Jane’s Journey
Where does Jane live at the beginning of the novel?
Gateshead Hall, with her aunt, Mrs Reed, and her cousins.
What does orphan mean?
A child whose parents are dead.
Jane ___ (live) at Gateshead when she was a child.
Jane lived at Gateshead when she was a child.
Jane is treated unfairly by her aunt. Should she remain silent or stand up for herself?
Open answer. Students should justify their choice using ideas such as justice, self-respect, courage, obedience, and independence.
Who is Jane’s cruel aunt?
Mrs Reed, Jane’s aunt by marriage.
What is a governess?
A woman employed to educate and care for children in a private household, usually living with the family.
Jane ___ (leave) Gateshead before she ___ (arrive) at Lowood.
Jane left Gateshead before she arrived at Lowood.
Jane had left Gateshead before she arrived at Lowood.
Mr Brocklehurst humiliates Jane in front of the school. Should Jane forgive him?
Open answer. Accept different positions if they are clearly justified with moral arguments.
What happens to Jane in the Red Room?
She is locked in the Red Room as punishment. She becomes frightened and believes she sees her uncle’s ghost.
What was the role of a governess in Victorian society?
A governess taught children in wealthy or upper-class families. She occupied an unusual position: she was educated and employed, but she was neither a servant nor a member of the family.
Jane said, “I am unhappy at Lowood.”
Jane said that she was unhappy at Lowood.
Helen Burns accepts suffering without fighting back. Is her attitude admirable or too passive?
Open answer. Students might argue that Helen demonstrates patience and forgiveness, while others may argue that accepting injustice can prevent positive change and self-respect.
Who becomes Jane’s close friend at Lowood?
Helen Burns.
What does social class refer to?
A person’s social and economic position in society, often influenced by wealth, occupation, family background, and education.
When Jane arrived at Thornfield, Mr Rochester ___ already ___ (leave).
When Jane arrived at Thornfield, Mr Rochester had already left.
Jane loves Rochester but discovers that he is already married. Should she stay with him or leave?
Best-supported answer: leave him. Jane believes that staying would violate her moral principles and self-respect, despite her love for Rochester.
Why does Jane decide to leave Thornfield?
She discovers that Mr Rochester is already married to Bertha Mason, so she refuses to become his mistress and leaves Thornfield to remain faithful to her moral principles.
What does inheritance mean?
Money, property, or possessions received from someone who has died, usually a family member.
Rochester said, “You must stay at Thornfield.”
Rochester said that Jane had to stay at Thornfield.
Jane can become Rochester’s partner despite his secret marriage. Should she follow her heart or her moral principles?
Best-supported answer: follow her moral principles. Jane chooses independence, integrity, and self-respect over immediate happiness. Her decision shows that she refuses to sacrifice her principles for love.