GCSE Edexcel English Literature How to answer the 19th century novel question: 1. How does Brontë present Mr Ro

Question

1. How does Brontë present Mr Rochester's reactions to Jane's return in the extract?

Mr Rochester is, at first, unsure of who the person in the room is, but once he suspects it is Jane, he is incredulous. He cannot believe that Jane has returned to him.

He repeats the question 'Who is this?' and is abrupt in his movement and mannerism: 'quick gesture', 'he demanded', 'distressed', 'the ordered', 'impetuously and aloud'. Even in his confusion he retains an air and tone of authority.

The three monosyllabic questions demonstrate Mr Rochester's confusion, showing he is now not sure of what he senses, emphasizing his confusion and the strength in his demand to know who is there: 'Who is it? What is it? Who speaks?'

The use of the alliterative exclamation 'Great God!' emphasizes his disbelief, believing that he has gone mad in daring to think that Jane has returned: 'what delusion', 'sweet madness'.

Mr Rochester is frustrated in his blindness. He continues to ask questions and the sense of frustration is enhanced by using an exclamation like: 'Oh! I cannot!'

He hyperbolizes when he suggests that his 'heart will stop and my brain burst!' and his helplessness is exposed through using the verb 'groped', 'wandering' as if he cannot see clearly.

When he touches Jane's hands he confirms his own delight and realization that it is indeed Jane who stands before him with his thoughts: 'her fingers ... her small, stunted fingers!'

Mr Rochester darkens his doubt because it can be Jane who has returned to him, or it could be a phantom conjured by his grief. This use of phases further illustrates his confusion and disbelief as though he cannot trust his own senses at that moment.

The dialogue used reveals his despair; he can only hear her repeated name 'Jane' and when he suggests: 'It is a dream ...' he suggests that he has been living in 'misery' and such happiness cannot be real.

The use of dialogue, repeated questions and Jane's concealment of her identity add to Mr Rochester's delight when he realizes that Jane has returned to him.

1. How does Brontë present Mr Rochester's reactions to Jane's return in the extract? Mr Rochester is, at first, unsure of who the person in the room is, but once he suspects it is Jane, he is incredulous - Edexcel - GCSE English Literature - Question 1 - 2020 - Paper 1

How does Brontë present Mr Rochester's reactions to Jane's return in the extract?

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