Final Discussion: Directions

BEFORE you get to class on Monday, you should post on TWO threads.  There are 13 to choose from, so there should be plenty to discuss!

Notice that your friend isn't posting -- give them a heads up!

Final Discussion: Grass is Always Greener

Is this new life with the Rivers an upgrade or a downgrade?  Discuss the pros and cons.

Final Discussion: Only in my Dreams

Discuss the various dreams that have appeared in these chapters, as well as elsewhere within the text.  What do you make of them?

Final Discussion: A Match Made in … Heaven?

What do you think of St. John?  How would he fair as a companion for Jane?

Final Discussion: More Money…More Problems

So apparently Jane is now a millionaire.  Discuss the inheritance, her decisions, etc.

Final Discussion: Ch-Ch-Changes

How has Jane changed since the beginning of the novel?  Are there any traits from her childhood that have remained?

Has Rochester changed?

Final Discussion: That House is on Fire

What did you make of that?  And the injuries that followed?  Symbolic?

Final Discussion: Seeing Double

Bronte uses quite a few doubles within the text to serve as foils/comparisons.  Discuss any of these.

There are so many that you should probably discuss one at a time, replaying to the original thread about that double before you move on to another one.

Final Discussion: Happily Ever After…

So our heroine gets everything she’s always wanted.  What did you think of the ending?

Final Discussion: Famous Last Words

What did you think of St. John having the final words of the novel?  Discuss this, and what he has to say.

Final Discussion: Art Imitates Life

There are quite a few parallels between Jane’s stories and the Bronte sisters.  Do a bit of research on Charlotte’s life and discuss the connections here.

Final Discussion: A Whole New Word…

Jane Eyre is a Bildungsroman – a coming-of-age novel; a novel of education; a novel of formation.  How does this novel fit that mold?  How has anyone come of age?

Final Discussion: For all Intents & Purposes

It’s famously claimed that Charlotte Bronte wrote Jane’s character in answer to a challenge.  She wanted to prove that a plain, witty, female character could be just as compelling as a beautiful damsel in distress.  She also provided a feminist critique of many aspects of the Victorian lifestyle.  Do you feel like she was successful?  If you’d like to do some research on Victorian life, or Bronte’s purposes – cite some evidence & reflect.

Final Discussion: Lesson Learned

What would be some good theme statements for the novel?  Remember – a theme says something ABOUT a topic!  Support your response with text references (and without Sparknotes/Shmoop)!

Maybe more importantly...What will YOU take away from reading this piece?  

24-30: The Help

At the end of our reading assignment, Jane has a conversation with Hannah.  How does she parallel with the servants in the Reed household?

24-30: Home is Wherever I'm with...people who mistreat me

Discuss the various "homes" that Jane has been in so far, Gateshead, Lowood, Thornfield, and the Rivers' household. How are they the same, and how do they differ?

24-30: All things being equal

Throughout the novel, we continually see Jane struggle for equality. How does Jane struggle in these chapters, and what is the significance?

24-30: Jewelry and Dresses and Carriages, Oh My!

Look closely at the first chapters is this section - the preparation for the wedding.    How does Rochester prepare, and how do Jane and Adele react?  What does this tell us about their characters and what lay ahead?

24-30: Don't Blame Me...

A two-part question:

Rochester claims he was tricked into marrying Bertha.  Do you buy it? Does he deserve sympathy or to be rid of this burden?  Why or why not?

Look at his discussion/confession and specifically comment on Bronte's language use to characterize Rochester and express his tone.

24-30: Should've Seen It Coming...

Discuss what could have foreshadowed this event -- in these chapters and previous ones, too.

24-30: These Boots are Made for Walkin'...

A two part question:

Discuss Bronte's use of language as she describes Jane's behavior in the aftermath of the wedding day revelation:

Jane in her room

Reaction to Rochester's confession

Jane's Leaving

Do you think Jane made the right decision of leaving Thornfield & Rochester, even though she is leaving everything that she has ever wanted?  

24-30: Have a Little Faith...

How does religion function in these chapters - not only with Jane, but those she encounters?

24 - 30: The Rivers Estate

What do you think of this family?  About their treatment of Jane & her relationships with them - St. John, Hannah, Mary, & Diane?