Jane Eyre Book Summary Notes

What is the setting described in Chapter One of Jane Eyre?

A dreary November day, cold, winter, and harsh.

How does Jane Eyre feel about her status among her relatives?

She feels set apart from the other children and is bullied by her cousin John.

What book is Jane reading in Chapter One?

Bewick's History of British Birds.

Why is Jane not allowed to play with her cousins?

Her aunt, Mrs. Reed, forbids it because she does not have a child-like manner.

What kind of treatment does John Reed give to Jane?

He bullies her, calling her names and physically attacking her.

What happens to Jane after she fights with John Reed?

She is blamed for the fight and sent to the red-room.

What does the red-room symbolize in Jane Eyre?

It symbolizes punishment and fear, as it is where Uncle Reed died.

How does Jane react to her situation in the red-room?

She reflects on her past and imagines her uncle's ghost seeking revenge.

What impression does Jane have of her Uncle Reed in the red-room?

She feels that he is present and imagines he is there to take revenge on Mrs. Reed.

How do Miss Abbott and Bessie Lee view Jane?

They have a negative opinion of her, which is reinforced by her resistance.

What does Jane's fascination with Bewick's History of British Birds reveal about her character?

It shows her imaginative and sensitive nature, drawn to dark imagery and symbolism.

What are some themes foreshadowed by Jane's interest in desolation and gloom?

Themes of loneliness and potential future struggles.

Describe John Reed's physical appearance and behavior.

He is large and stout for his age, with a dingy skin and treats Jane like an animal.

What is Jane's emotional state at the end of Chapter One?

She is scared and obedient to John, feeling powerless.

What significant event does Jane recall about her Uncle Reed?

He brought her to Gateshead after her parents died and asked Mrs. Reed to raise her.

What happens to Jane when she cries out in terror in the red-room?

Her aunt ignores her pleas, thinking she is trying to escape, and Jane faints.

How does Mrs. Reed respond to Jane's cries in the red-room?

She dismisses Jane's fear as an attempt to escape punishment.

What is the relationship between Jane and her cousins Eliza and Georgiana?

Eliza is headstrong and selfish, while Georgiana is spoiled and indulged.

What does Jane's resistance to being taken to the red-room signify?

It signifies a moment of defiance and a desire for autonomy.

What does John Reed's behavior towards Jane indicate about his character?

It indicates he is abusive, lacking empathy, and enjoys exerting power over her.

What does the description of the red-room contribute to the overall mood of the story?

It contributes to a mood of oppression and fear, reflecting Jane's isolation.

How does Jane's experience in the red-room affect her character development?

It deepens her sense of isolation and shapes her resilience against adversity.

What physical traits of Jane are mentioned in the notes?

Her beauty, pink cheeks, and golden curls.

What actions does John Reed take that demonstrate his abusive nature?

He twists the necks of pigeons, kills peachicks, sets dogs at the sheep, strips hothouse vines of fruit, and breaks buds off plants.

Who takes care of Jane when she wakes up in her bedroom?

Mr. Lloyd, the family's kind apothecary.

What does Bessie express about Jane's treatment?

She expresses disapproval of the treatment towards Jane, indicating possible character development.

What opportunity does Mr. Lloyd suggest for Jane?

He suggests that she should go to school where she might find happiness.

How does Jane feel about the opportunity to leave Gateshead?

She is happy to hear about the opportunity.

What does Jane learn about her history while eavesdropping?

She learns that her mother was from the wealthy Reed family, which disapproved of her father, an impoverished clergyman.

What happened to Jane's parents?

They died from typhus, which her father contracted while caring for the poor.

How does Jane feel about Bessie compared to Miss Abbot?

Jane likes Bessie more than Miss Abbot.

What significance does the poem recited by Bessie hold for Jane?

It reflects Jane's life as an orphan, foreshadows her struggles, and introduces the theme of faith and inner conviction.

What emotional response does Jane have to Bessie's singing?

Jane cries as Bessie sings.

What cruel treatment does Jane endure while waiting for her schooling arrangements?

She endures cruel treatment from her aunt and cousins.

What school is Jane finally allowed to attend?

The girls' school Lowood.

Who is Mr. Brocklehurst?

The stern-faced man who runs the school and questions Jane about religion.

How does Jane react to Mr. Brocklehurst's questioning about the psalms?

She finds the psalms uninteresting, which prompts indignation from Brocklehurst.

What does Jane's aunt warn Mr. Brocklehurst about her?

She warns him that Jane has a propensity for lying.

What does Jane do when she feels hurt by her aunt and Mrs. Reed?

She defends herself for once.

What does Bessie tell Jane that indicates her preference?

Bessie tells Jane that she prefers her to the Reed children.

What does Bessie do for Jane before she leaves for school?

Bessie tells her stories and sings her songs.

How does Jane describe her sleeping arrangements at the Reeds' home?

She was appointed a small closet to sleep in by herself, condemning her to take meals alone and spend time in the nursery while her cousins were in the drawing-room.

What significant action does Jane take against Ms. Reed?

Jane fights against Ms. Reed and brings up Mr. Reed, causing Mrs. Reed to be quiet for once.

How does Jane feel about being excluded from Christmas and other festivities?

She feels left out.

What does Jane keep for warmth and comfort?

She loves her doll and cannot sleep without it.

How does Bessie treat Jane when she comes to visit her?

Bessie stays with Jane until she finishes eating, tucks her in, kisses her twice, and says goodnight, treating her like a mother.

Who arrives at Gateshead to visit Jane?

The principal of her new school.

How does Mr. Brocklehurst describe Jane upon their first meeting?

He calls her small and interrogates her about her habits.

What does Mr. Brocklehurst say will happen if Jane does not fix her actions?

He warns that she will go to hell.

What does Brocklehurst think about Jane's feelings towards the Psalms?

He is annoyed that she is not fond of them and believes it proves she has a wicked heart.

What does Ms. Reed ask Bessie to do regarding Jane?

She asks Bessie to have the superintendents and teachers keep an extra eye on Jane.

What is Ms. Reed's intention for Jane at Lowood?

She wants to keep Jane humble and useful, asking her to spend all her vacations at Lowood.

What does Jane express to Ms. Reed that signifies her character development?

She stands up to Reed, saying she despises her and that she has tortured her.

What does Jane do during a walk that shows her independence?

She ignores Bessie's call for lunch.

What does Bessie say to Jane before she leaves for school?

Bessie expresses that she is fonder of Jane than of all the others.

What time does Jane take the bus to Lowood?

She takes a 6 AM bus.

What is Jane's first impression of the Lowood building?

She finds it grim.

Who are the two main figures in charge at Lowood?

Miss Temple, who is kind, and Miss Scatcherd, who is unpleasant.

What is the nature of Lowood School?

It is a charity school maintained for female orphans.

What does Jane learn about Mr. Brocklehurst's role at Lowood?

He oversees every aspect of the school's operation, and Miss Temple must answer to him.

What does Bessie do for Jane on the morning of her departure?

Bessie is the only one to say goodbye, makes her breakfast, and ensures she eats it.

What warning does Mrs. Reed give Jane before she leaves for school?

She tells Jane not to disturb her or her cousins in the morning.

What is the setting described when Jane leaves for Lowood?

It was cold and sad.

What was the weather like upon Jane's arrival at Lowood?

Rain, wind, and darkness in the air, creating a gloomy atmosphere.

How was the food served to Jane and her classmates at breakfast?

The porridge was burnt and horrible.

How did Miss Miller respond to the girls' complaints about the food?

She joined in their complaints instead of dismissing them.

What action did Miss Temple take regarding the inadequate breakfast?

She ordered a lunch of bread and cheese and took full responsibility for the breakfast.

What type of school is Lowood Institution described as?

A charity school for orphans.

How did Jane's second morning at Lowood compare to her first?

It was similar; the girls were still unable to wash.

What issue did the girls face with the water in their pitchers?

The water was frozen.

What harsh realities did Jane learn about school life at Lowood?

The girls were underfed, overworked, and forced to sit still during endless sermons.

Who becomes a source of comfort for Jane at Lowood?

Helen Burns.

What doctrine does Helen Burns practice?

A doctrine of Christian endurance, which means loving her enemies and accepting her privation.

How does Jane feel about Helen's doctrine of endurance?

Jane disagrees with it, but Helen does not care.

What was the quality of the porridge served to the girls later on?

The porridge was not burnt and of good quality.

How did Miss Scatcherd treat Helen Burns?

She constantly pointed out Helen's flaws and hit her with twigs.

How were the girls at Lowood referred to, according to the notes?

They were referred to by their surnames, similar to how boys are addressed elsewhere.

What effect did Miss Temple have on Helen Burns?

A smile went across Helen's face when Miss Temple was mentioned.

What does Jane learn about the treatment of the girls at Lowood?

They endure cruel treatment, especially from Miss Scatcherd.

What does Helen impress upon Jane about her character?

Her expansive knowledge and ability to patiently endure cruel treatment.

What does Miss Temple represent in Jane's life at Lowood?

Miss Temple embodies goodness and kindness, providing gentle guidance and praise to Jane.

How does Helen Burns cope with her situation at Lowood?

Helen follows the Bible and maintains a calm demeanor despite the harsh conditions.

What punishment does Mr. Brocklehurst impose on Jane after she drops her slate?

He forces Jane to stand on a stool and publicly labels her a liar, forbidding other students from speaking to her.

How does Helen support Jane during her punishment at Lowood?

Helen smiles at Jane every time she passes by, offering her silent encouragement.

What is Mr. Brocklehurst's view on Miss Temple's treatment of the students?

He disapproves of her giving extra food and believes it fosters habits of luxury instead of resilience.

What drastic action does Mr. Brocklehurst take regarding Julia Severn's hair?

He insists that her naturally curly hair must be cut off to avoid conforming to nature.

What does Mr. Brocklehurst label Jane as, and what does he instruct others to do?

He labels Jane a 'demon child' and instructs others to shun and exclude her.

What significant event occurs when Jane tells Miss Temple about her childhood?

Miss Temple offers Jane and Helen tea and seed cake, and later, confirms Jane's innocence after receiving a letter.

How does Jane feel about her reputation at Lowood after Mr. Brocklehurst's actions?

She feels her reputation is ruined and believes she has lost any chance of friendship.

What illness spreads among the students at Lowood?

Typhus spreads among the students, causing many to fall ill.

What tragic news does Jane receive about her friend Helen?

She learns that Helen is dying of consumption.

What promise does Helen make to Jane before she dies?

Helen promises Jane that she feels little pain and is happy to leave the suffering world behind.

What does Jane do to honor Helen after her death?

Jane places a marble tablet over Helen's grave with the word 'Resurgam,' meaning 'I shall rise again.'

What changes occur at Lowood after Mr. Brocklehurst's negligence is addressed?

A new group of overseers is brought in, leading to improved conditions at the school.

What does Jane do after spending two years as a teacher at Lowood?

She accepts a position as a governess at Thornfield.

What significant change happens in Miss Temple's life?

Miss Temple leaves Lowood to get married.

What news does Bessie bring to Jane during her visit?

Bessie informs Jane about the events that occurred at Gateshead since her departure.

What incident does Georgiana attempt at Gateshead?

Georgiana tries to run away with a man named Lord Edwin Vere, but Eliza reveals the plan.

How does Jane's academic performance change over time at Lowood?

Jane excels in her studies, particularly in drawing and French.

What does Jane desire above all else, according to her reflections?

Jane expresses a desire for friendship and love, stating she would endure pain for it.