Welcome to the third week of
the 2014 Jane Eyre Read-Along,
brought to you by
and Babbling Books!!
Introduction: "they spoke of books:"
In the chapters for the reading this week we find Jane at Lowood School with new sights and new persons. The best of Jane's new acquaintances are fellow student Helen Burns and their teacher Miss Temple. After a particularly hard day (as were most days) Miss Temple invites the girls to share a small, simple repast that she had saved for them and that Jane described as "nectar and ambrosia"; but the best part of the evening was the conversation:
"They conversed of things I had never heard of; of nations and times past; of countries far away; of secrets of nature discovered or guessed at; they spoke of books: how many they had read! What stores of knowledge they possessed!"
Week 3 Discussion Questions:
Chapters 6 - 10
(Questions provided by
Babbling Books)
1.) What are your impressions of the way Helen Burns endures punishment and abuse?
Helen has what I would characterize as a "stoic" attitude, but one that is very much based in a firm belief in God and the Bible. Helen tells Jane, "It is far better to endure patiently a smart which nobody feels but yourself, than to commit a hasty action whose evil consequences will extend to all connected with you; and, besides, the Bible bids us return good for evil." She appears to be meek as in those "blessed" ones that are said to inherit the earth; but in spite of her acceptance of punishment, or perhaps beside it, she is not unintelligent and thinks about both her own spirit and the impact her actions have on those around her. She even betrays admiration for Jane in the way that she smiles and looks upon her.
2.) What are your impressions of the way that Jane sees punishment and abuse in comparison to Helen?
Jane, in comparison with Helen, is almost her antithesis. She has a rebellious nature and is not ashamed of that, relying on her own standards of what is right rather than those of others (particularly Miss Scatcherd). Jane tells Helen, "I must dislike those who, whatever I do to please them, persist in disliking me; I must resist those who punish me unjustly. It is as natural that I should love those who show me affection, or submit to punishment when I feel it is deserved." Thus Jane is more concerned with what she considers "just" and her own natural feelings of when punishment is "deserved" and when it is not. Unlike Helen whose reaction to abuse is to "love your enemies" Jane is focused on what is right. Her view seems Kantian in the sense that she sees actions as being defined by rules that apply the same to everyone, and will not accept injustice based on the teachings of the Bible.
3.) Would Mr. Brocklehurst have been a more realistic and interesting character had he been less overtly fanatical, cruel and hypocritical, and just deeply flawed, instead?
We see Brocklehurst through the eyes of Jane. While her lens may exaggerate the flaws of his character, they highlight the attitude of Jane, reinforcing the defining characteristics of her own defiant and daunting persona. Understood this way Brocklehurst, while a grotesque caricature, is infinitely more interesting than his slightly kinder and gentler doppelganger who does not appear in Jane's very personal narrative.
4.) Helen Burns exudes confidence and is sure of her personal beliefs. Do you find it realistic that a young person exhibits such traits?
Helen Burns' confidence and sureness in her personal beliefs seems to stem from a faith that she has developed well before Jane, and thus we the reader, meets her. That her faith can sustain such confidence I have little doubt. In her longest statement of faith Helen concludes with the words, "God waits only the separation of spirit from flesh to crown us with a full reward. Why, then, should we ever sink overwhelmed with distress, when life is so soon over, and death is so certain an entrance to happiness -- to glory?"
These words speak of a confidence within; a confidence that is based on a faith stronger than most of us may share. This is uncommon perhaps, but surely realistic from a romantic point of view.
5.) Miss Temple seems to influence Jane's personality and outlook on life during her stay at Lowood. Would Jane have developed differently without her influence?
I believe this is a question for which it is too early for us to know. As readers of Jane's narrative we have yet to see how Jane develops. It does appear that Jane continues to be observant and admires Miss Temple tremendously. Jane comments that "to her instruction I owed the best part of my acquirements; her friendship and society had been my continual solace; she had stood me in the stead of mother, governess, and latterly, companion." Miss Temple's leaving Lowood removed the "tranquility" that she had brought to Jane, but also freed Jane to experience the "real world" outside of Lowood. This was the world that "awaited those who had courage to go forth into its expanse, to seek real knowledge of life amidst its perils."
I am unsure whether Jane would have had this courage without the influence of Miss Temple, but I am sure that she has it for now and I hope she will continue to exhibit it in her new endeavor as she leaves Lowood.
5 comments:
You know, James, I feel pretty bad that I used the word "masochism" in my own answers to the questions about the different attitudes exhibited by Helen and Jane, in the face of undeserved punishment and abuse.... I wish I had brought in the concept of stoicism, for this is exactly what Helen's attitude toward undeserved suffering is. I'm so glad that you and Brian mentioned it!
It's so interesting, too, that both you and Brian quoted Jane's declaration that she can't continue to be kind to those who, in spite of her kindness, persist in disliking her and even doing her harm. I definitely agree with Jane! Personal experience has shown me that the Golden Rule doesn't always work in the real world.....in fact, there are many people whose motto is, "Let me do to you, but don't you DARE do to me!!" Lol.
As for Brocklehurst, yes, he might be a caricature, but I like your point that we're seeing him through Jane's eyes. Just as he looked like "a black pillar" to her, he might very well have been less harsh that she recounts. On the other hand, children usually err on the side of honesty (I disagree with adults who believe, as Mrs. Reed and Mr. Brocklehurst do, that children tend to make up stuff ALL the time, no matter what, so they can't be believed EVER). Anyway, I like the character of Brocklehurst exactly as Bronte has depicted him. I LOVE to HATE the guy!! Lol.
As for the confidence that Helen places in her faith, that's the only confidence I feel she does have. As for herself, apart from this faith, I find her lacking in self-esteem. However, this observation of mine might be due to her stoicism, which to me smacks of low self-esteem. When she speaks of her "faults" to Jane, I want to take Helen aside and tell her just how WONDERFUL she really is!!!!
Regarding Miss Temple, I love her with the same intensity that I hate Brocklehurst! How I wish I could have had a teacher like her!! She is my model of what a perfect Christian should be. She never preaches, but teaches kindness with her behavior. She probably doesn't know all the verses that Brocklehurst rolls out like a machine you drop a quarter into, and the correct verse comes out. Lol. She has a HEART. Her influence on Jane has been most beneficial.
Thanks for your great, thoughtful answers, and for your continued participation in the read-along!! : )
Great responses to these questions James.
The stoicism - Christianity mix in Helen is interesting. As I mentioned, I am ahead in the book and I am seeing a fair amount of this mixing of various belief systems throughout.
I do think that there are a few people around who show as much confidence and internal strength as does Helen. However, she is a little young to be so intellectually and morally developed.
I think that your identification Miss Temple's departure from Lorwood as something that, in a way, frees Jane is on the money.
Brian,
Thanks for your observations. I will look forward to further examples of the ideas and beliefs of Jane and the people she encounters. While I have read the book before, in this rereading I am trying to stay on the same pace as the weekly reading plan. If it was my first time I am sure I would not be able to hold back - had much the same experience the first time I read War & Peace.
Jane's intelligence seems to have helped her at Lowood and her ability with languages has aided her search for a position. At the same time the book is very sad with the death of Helen and the departure of Miss Temple.
You know, James, I wish I had brought in the concept of stoicism, for this is exactly what Helen's attitude toward undeserved suffering is. I'm so glad that you and Brian mentioned it!
It's so interesting, too, that both you and Brian quoted Jane's declaration that she can't continue to be kind to those who, in spite of her kindness, persist in disliking her and even doing her harm. However, Helen's attitude is admirable, although perhaps not always possible in this world.
As for Brocklehurst, yes, he might be a caricature, but I like your point that we're seeing him through Jane's eyes. Just as he looked like "a black pillar" to her, he might very well have been less harsh than she recounts. On the other hand, children usually err on the side of honesty (I disagree with adults who believe, as Mrs. Reed and Mr. Brocklehurst do, that children tend to make up stuff ALL the time, no matter what, so they can't be believed EVER). Anyway, I do think that the character of Brocklehurst is perfect as Bronte has depicted him. There really are people like him in the world!
As for the confidence that Helen places in her faith, that's the only confidence I feel she does have. Apart from this faith, I find her lacking in self-esteem. When she speaks of her "faults" to Jane, I want to take Helen aside and tell her just how WONDERFUL she really is!!!!
Regarding Miss Temple, I think she's a great character! She never preaches, but teaches kindness with her behavior. She probably doesn't know all the verses that Brocklehurst rolls out like a machine you drop a quarter into, and the correct verse comes out. Lol. She has a HEART. Her influence on Jane has been most beneficial.
Thanks for your very thoughtful insights, and for your continued participation in the read-along!! : )
Maria,
Thanks for your observations. Associating stoicism with Jane comes naturally for me as I am fascinated by the philosophy and writings of the stoics; The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius is one of my favorite books.
I agree with your assessment of Helen's lack of self esteem, but find that, for me, that precludes the appellation wonderful. Miss Temple is truly a great character and reminds me of some of the best teachers that I have been fortunate to know. She helps Jane withstand the unkindness of Brocklehurst.
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