Summary
Jane, after the event of Helens death, fastforwards eight years of her life and we learn that she has become a teacher at Lowood school. Conditions at the school have improved alot and Jane is enjoying herself alot more. However she decides she wants more in life and wishes to explore more of the world and decides to advertise for a new job in the paper. She obtains a new job at Thornfield and sets off. On arrival she meets Mrs Fairfax. Jane asks her many questions about Thornfield and about Mr Rochester. After a few weeks at Thornfield, Jane is sent on a errand where she bumps into Mr Rochester for the first time. At this point she does not know it is him. She helps Mr Rochester recover from slipping off of his horse. The next day Jane is called to dinner with Mr Rochester where he interrogates Jane on her background and education. He looks at her art portfolio. The way he speaks to Jane is very blunt and quite rude. After a busier time at Thornfield Jane is again called to dinner and we learn that Mr Rochester does infact enjoy Janes company. We learn abit more about Rochesters background and the background of Adele. We learn about his relationship with Celine Varens and how she had cheated on him, and now he were unsure whether Adele was his own. Later that evening Jane heres an evil laugh from outside her room, and when she feels it safe she has a look to find Mr Rochesters room set on fire. Jane saves Mr Rochesters life. It is presumed that it was the act of Grace Pool.
I think there is a strong theme of hope at the beginning of these chapters as Jane is staring out of her window at lowood, just thinking of the world and then decides to leave Lowood. She seems like she seeks adventure or more excitement in life. The description of Thornfield suggest Jane is going to like it there. Later we can how Jane can be naieve when handling matters in the outside world. "I had hardly ever seen a handsome youth..." This shows how little of the world she had seen.
She opens alot of the earlier chapters by talking directly to the reader. "And when I draw up the curtain this time reader- you must fancy you see a room in the George Inn at Millcote..." She addresses the reader directly as 'reader' for the first time in the novel and uses a more chatty tone.
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1 comment:
I like the way you identify the theme of hope. Is it the act of looking out of the window or is it how she describes doing this?
Your comments on narrative voice are good. Yes, she has changed tone. You are right to identify the "Dear reader" reference. Does this make her more appealing to us?
Are there any questions raised by reading this section of the novel e.g. her naivety? You mention this of course. Is it her weakness? Does she learn from experiences etc? By asking questions as you read you'll open up different angles.
Keep the comments coming, especially on theme and character (especially how Jane develops).
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