Jane Eyre

Anticipation Guide
Please indicate whether you agree or disagree and explain your reasoning in the provided box.

Agree Disagree
When you make a promise to someone, you should keep it no matter what You should respect your parents' wishes for you Appearances are not a good indication of something's worth When you love someone, you should accept their flaws Someone who is unkind can still be a good person If someone kept a secret from me, I could never trust them again People who are mentally ill should be kept away from others

Explanation of choice

Jane Eyre
Study Guide, Ch. 1-5 Comprehension Questions
1. Define escapism. What activity does Jane use for escape?

2. Why is Jane sent to the Red Room as punishment? What makes this room particularly disturbing to Jane?

3. Why is Jane living with Mrs. Reed?

4. How does Jane feel about the possibility of going to school?

5. Describe Mr. Brocklehurst. How does Jane's aunt shape his view of Jane?

6. What are Jane's impression of Lowood?

7. What information about Lowood does Helen give Jane?

Critical Thinking
1. Do you think Jane's parents were responsible for her misery? Why or why not?

2. Would it have been better for Jane to have been abandoned by her aunt after her uncle died? Why or why not?

3. Why did Charlotte Bronte chose the color red for the room of Jane's torment?

4. Reread the exchange between Jane and Mr. Brocklehurst in chapter 4. Why do you think Mr. Brocklehurst finds Jane's religious discussion offensive?

5. Jane's relationship with her aunt is very unique and complicated. Why does she allow someone who treats her cruelly to affect her so much?

6. Bronte uses very revealing names? Explain why she chose the following names: 1. Lowood

2. Brocklehurst

3. Gateshead

4. Jane

Creative Writing Reflection

Jane Eyre reflects many of the human emotions people experience when they go through everyday life. These emotions are what makes a multidimensional character. Good writers avoid using flat characters unless they are serving a purpose. In general, people like reading about people like themselves- they want characters who feel a variety of emotions and are actuated by complex goals and emotions. Character is often the center of good writing. When creating characters, authors mull over various considerations. They use questions like the following: How would this person react to stress? What motivates them to behave this way? How does my character feel about this? What frightens my character? How will my reader relate to them?

While many authors aspire to make characters that readers will like, that is certainly not the case for many famous characters. Do readers like Rochester, Iago (Othello), or any of the other curmudgeons and villains that populate some of the greatest literature? They are fascinating precisely because we try and try, but still don't understand them on a human level. Even if we can figure out their reasoning and justify their actions, because we don't like them, their behavior is shocking and surprises us. Assignment What would life be like if you were Mrs. Reed. Put her hat on for a while and complete a 2-3 page paper explaining why you treat your niece the way you do. Remember: you don't have to like Mrs. Reed to write about her.

Multidimensional characters Characters that maintain depth and detail through the authors design Flat characters Characters that are undeveloped and lack complexity- they are often recognizable as stereotypes. Authors use these intentionally to fulfill various purposes in writing, such as irony. Actuate Motivate or start Curmudgeon Bad tempered and cantankerous person