Jane Eyre: Chapters 1-5 (p.

1-49)
1. Use the vocabulary selected from the following passage to describe one of your own
childhood memories (use at least 9 of the 12 words):

“To this crib I always took my doll; human beings must love something, and, in the dearth
of worthier objects of affection, I contrived to find a pleasure in loving and cherishing a
faded graven image, shabby as a miniature scarecrow. It puzzles me now to remember with
what absurd sincerity I doated on this little toy, half fancying it alive and capable of
sensation. I could not sleep unless it was folded in my night-gown; and when it lay there
safe and warm, I was comparatively happy, believing it to be happy likewise.” (p. 24)

dearth faded fancying

worthier shabby sensation
contrived absurd sincerity comparatively
cherishing doated likewise

2. Re-read the descriptions given of Bessie and Eliza on pages 24 and 25. Describe the two
characters in your own words.

3. Illustrate the following scene:

“The handle turned, the door unclosed, and passing through and curtseying low, I looked
up at – a black pillar! – such, at least, appeared to me, at first sight, the straight, narrow,
sable-clad shape standing erect on the rug: the grim face at the top was like a carved mask,
placed above the shaft by way of capital.” (p. 27)

4. What can we learn about Jane from the following exchange she has with Mr. Brocklehurst?

"No sight so sad as that of a naughty child," he began, "especially a naughty little girl. Do
you know where the wicked go after death?"
"They go to hell," was my ready and orthodox answer.
"And what is hell? Can you tell me that?"
"A pit full of fire."
"And should you like to fall into that pit, and to be burning there for ever?"
"No, sir."
"What must you do to avoid it?"
I deliberated a moment; my answer, when it did come, was objectionable: "I must keep in
good health, and not die." (p. 27-28)

5. How is irony used in the following passage? Explain in detail.

"Humility is a Christian grace, and one peculiarly appropriate to the pupils of Lowood; I,
therefore, direct that especial care shall be bestowed on its cultivation amongst them. I
have studied how best to mortify in them the worldly sentiment of pride; and, only the
other day, I had a pleasing proof of my success. My second daughter, Augusta, went with
her mama to visit the school, and on her return she exclaimed: 'Oh, dear papa, how quiet
and plain all the girls at Lowood look, with their hair combed behind their ears, and their
long pinafores, and those little holland pockets outside their frocks--they are almost like
poor people's children! and,' said she, 'they looked at my dress and mama's, as if they had
never seen a silk gown before.'" (p. 29-30)
6. Discuss the exchange between Jane and Mrs. Reed after Mr. Brocklehurst leaves (starting
with “Mrs. Reed looked up from her work; her eye settled on mine …” on p. 31, ending with
Mrs. Reed leaving at the top of page 33). How has Jane changed? Discuss what this
conversation reveals about Jane’s character.

7. Describe the character of Miss Temple in your own words (use pages 43-44 as your
reference).

8. Why does Jane decide to speak with the older girl who is reading (p. 45)?

9. What do you think of this girl and how she handles punishment (p. 47)?

10. What 3 aspects of Jane’s first day at school do you find worth noting? Explain why for each.