Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre is a two-hour dramatic recreation of the literary classic by Charlotte Bronte. First published in 1847, this moving story of the improbable love between a young governess and her mysterious and tragic employer has endured as one of the best-loved novels in English literature.

Filmed entirely on location in England, the production brings the characters, plot, and scenery of Jane Eyre alive for devoted Bronte readers and for those who are unfamiliar with this great work.

Appropriate curriculum links are Language arts, literature, drama, English history, and women’s studies. Fit for the eighth through twelfth grades.

Part 2

Vocabulary

• Hindustani
• akin
• asylum
• bedlam
• bigamy
• cadeau
• convention
• drawing room
• embittered
• impediment
• laudanum
• post
• pounds(currency)
• reciprocate
• shillings
• valet

Discussion Questions

1. Compare the appearance and personality of Jane with Blanche Ingraham’s. A&E’s production of Jane Eyre is the first time that the title role has been accurately portrayed, as being very young and not beautiful. Why has Hollywood in previous productions refused to portray Jane as a plain, young ( age 18) woman, attributes Charlotte Bronte makes very clear in her writing? Why are we supposed to have only pretty females as heroines? What does this say about the role of women in our society?
2. What does Blanche think of governesses in general? Why does Mr. Rochester order Jane to be in the drawing room every evening during his house party? How does Jane respond?
3. Describe the events when Mr. Mason arrives at Thornfield. Jane believes that Grace Poole has attacked Mr. Mason. Why won’t Mr. Rochester tell her the truth?
4. What does Mr. Rochester mean when he asks Jane, “Would you throw convention to the wind to find happiness?” Is happiness the most important thing in life? Can one find happiness without self-respect?
5. When Mr. Rochester describes his plan to be married, Jane assumes he is talking about wedding Blanche Ingraham. Why doesn’t he correct her? At one point she says, “Do you think because I am plain and poor I have no soul?” What does she mean by that? Do people make this assumption today?
6. Describe the different characters’ response to Jane’s engagement. Who does not seem happy for her? Why?
7. What happens at the marriage ceremony? How does Mr. Rochester defend his actions? Do you think Jane should have stayed with him anyway? Why or why not? What makes marriage different from a relationship without a marriage license?
8. Why does Mr. Rochester keep Bertha in his house rather than in a psychiatric hospital?
9. Why doesn’t he get a divorce?
10. After Jane leaves Thornfield, she ends up living with Diana Rivers and her brother, St. John (pronounced, “Sinjon”.) Describe St. John. Why does he want Jane to learn Hindustani?
11. When Jane Eyre was first published, many people were offended that Jane rejected St. John Rivers as a husband. He is, after all, a handsome, well-educated, and kind character. Why does Jane prefer Mr. Rochester?
12. Imagine Jane’s response when she sees Thornfield upon her return. How does she feel when she sees Mr. Rochester? What is his response?