1. What is your initial opinion of Jane? What aspects of the narrative help to develop this opinion? What can you determine about her character by her statements and her surroundings?
Initially I thought Jane to be the odd one out, to be more or less the strange child. It gave reason to her disassociation and to the families action. However, as you read on you discover that this is not the way she is. That in fact she is a sociable girl, upset by her adoptive family. That she is pained by the un-responsive people surrounding her. Eventually, I began to feel saddened by her situation. I want her to succeed in the things she sets out to do, because she can do better than the group of people she was thrown with by chance of the draw.
In the very beginning, before you have had a chance to develop a thought about Jane it is explained that she sits alone in the dining room. Reading a book that would be un-enjoyable for any other child. She had been banished from the rest of the family. That’s where you begun to understand the dynamics that were evident among them. However, it was not revealed why until later where it mentioned how she came to live with her Aunt.
By looking at her surrounds we can assume that she would be grumpy and unpleasant, as most people are when the weather is not the best. The house also seems to be lit quite dimly, creating an eerie and unpleasant feeling. As well, from the way she talks about her family you can assume there is a level of resentment and distrust, potentially of hatred as well.
4. Discuss the connection between the setting and Jane’s internal thoughts and feelings.
Jane’s internal feelings and thoughts were filled with gloom and dread. They were usually about a life she could have had, or the hate she had for her Aunt and cousins. The weather was always gloomy, either cloudy or snowy. Just overall nasty outside.
However there was a scene during the time after she blacked out when she was shoved into the “red room”. She was in the nursery, by the doctor who was sent to treat her. She said she felt safe while he was there. It seemed that the candles and lighting in the room got brighter as he was there, like he had brought hope with him. A moment of sanctuary for her, before she had to face the abuse of the people she shared a house with.
I like where you were going in the first answer. It is a very opinionated answer and it changes depending on the reader. My opinion was different from yours for a many reasons. One thing i wanted to point out, is that you explain Jane to be the "odd one out", i completely agree. You also mentioned how most children wouldn't take their time to read a book in the nursery. However, i think it is not that she is a strange child that she chooses to read a book, i think it is that her situation doesn't present with the privileges to do anything but.
ReplyDeleteWell done though. You're writing is worded much better than mine. haha.
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Interesting insights on Jane's nature as a truly sociable person. I had assumed her to be a stranger by nature and would not have considered that she is forced by her inhospitable conditions to become withdrawn. In a way, it could be argued that Mrs. Reed's resentment, ironically, shaped Jane's strong individuality. Hardship building character, just as Mr. Brocklehurst insists it does.
ReplyDeleteI would maybe have liked too see some deeper analysis in the rest of your question 1 response, or simply ending it more quickly and saving the weather discussions for question 4. Overall, though, it was a very interesting read. Thanks for opening my mind a bit!
It was very enjoyable to read a similar response from a different perspective. I would have to say I agree with your insights on Jane’s character and unfortunate mistreatment. I especially enjoyed your statement that “she is pained by the un-responsive people surrounding her”, I believe that is completely true and pretty much summarizes how she has been impacted by the hardships that she has had to face regarding her family affairs.
ReplyDeleteYour initial opinion about Jane is very frank, “to be the odd one out, to be more or less the strange child” and even though I believe it to be blunt, I feel you are quite right and certain. I feel you’ve really captured what the author wanted to portray of Jane’s character in your response.