Study Questions on the novel – Choose 2-3 of the questions and post a reflection in your group.
1/ The Victorian ideal heroine was described by Charles Kingsley (1819-75) as a “a valiant woman made perfect by suffering”. To what extent does Jane depart from Victorian ideals, both as a woman and as a heroine?
2/ The novel has been read as a Gothic story. What elements of Gothicism can be found? In what contexts do the supernatural events occur? What do they signify, in your view?
3/ What is the relationship like between Jane and Rochester during their engagement; does Jane have any doubts, and in that case why? What do you think is the significance of the scene when Bertha tears up the veil?
4/ A landmark of feminist literary criticism, Gilbert and Gubars The Madwoman in the Attic (1979), uses Bertha as a symbol of the restrictions placed on women in the 19th century (see power point on Canvas). One of their main arguments is that Bertha can be read as Janes double. What parallels can you find between Bertha and Jane? Are there any scenes that are particularly central for such a reading?
5/ What is Bertha like and what language is used to describe her? Where does she come from and what does her origin signify? What does her portrayal tell us about the 19th century British view of the colonies?
6/ What is the relationship like between Jane and Mr. Rochester at the end? Is it a happy ending? How and in what ways is it different from when they were first going to marry? Do you think a happy marriage would have been possible if they had not been hindered the first time?
7/ Consider also the significance of hair and hairstyles in Victorian fiction – what examples can you find of symbolism involving a womans hair?
What Students Are Saying About Us
.......... Customer ID: 12*** | Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Honestly, I was afraid to send my paper to you, but you proved you are a trustworthy service. My essay was done in less than a day, and I received a brilliant piece. I didn’t even believe it was my essay at first 🙂 Great job, thank you!"
.......... Customer ID: 11***| Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"This company is the best there is. They saved me so many times, I cannot even keep count. Now I recommend it to all my friends, and none of them have complained about it. The writers here are excellent."
"Order a custom Paper on Similar Assignment at essayfount.com! No Plagiarism! Enjoy 20% Discount!"
