GCSE Edexcel English Literature How to answer the poetry anthology question: 1. How does Brontë present Mr Ro

Question

1. How does Brontë present Mr Rochester’s reactions to Jane 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 mannerisms: 'quick gesture,' the demanded, 'distressing' the 'ordered,' 'impiously and aloud.' Even in his confusion he retains an air and tone of uncertainty.

Rochester's three monosyllabic questions demonstrate his confusion, showing he is not sure of what he hears and in the strength of 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 the abyss he has been 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 exclamatory remark: 'Oh! I cannot!'

He hyperbolizes when he suggests that his 'heart will stop and my brain burst' and his helplessness is exposed through his very gesture; 'groped,' 'wandering' in his thoughts.

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

Mr Rochester's dark moods reflect that he can be Jane who has returned to him. However, it is also a reflection of the roles of the characters that further illustrates his turmoil and sense of loss throughout the novel.

In the end Mr Rochester's excitement blends with deep emotion as he realizes this unearthly connection in her presentation: 'In the flesh? My Jane,' he remarks: 'It is a dream... He suggests that he has been living in 'misery' and such happiness cannot be real.

He concludes his reaction with a breathless dialogue that connects his soul to Jane's presence, but in confusion regarding her identity.

2. Why do different characters feel unhappy in the novel?

The orphaned Jane is unhappy when she is a child living at Gateshead Hall. She is unwanted by her aunt, Mrs Reed, and is bullied by her cousins Eliza, John and Georgiana. When she retaliates and hits John with a book, she is sent to the Red Room, where she is distressed and collapses in fear.

Jane is happy to be sent away to Lowood School, but she experiences unhappiness when she shows she has been treated badly and punished. Jane is very unhappy when she is branded a liar by Mr Brocklehurst. Her ultimate unhappiness is when Helen dies in her arms after suffering from typhus.

Jane is unhappy at Thornfield when she learns that Rochester is courting Blanche Ingram and that her role at Thornfield will come to an end when Adèle is sent away to boarding school.

Mrs Fairfax is unhappy when she witnesses Mr Rochester kissing Jane, as she knows that her heart is breaking when Rochester is hurt and that his first wife is kept at Thornfield. Rochester is very unhappy when Jane rejects him and takes the wedding party to make it even worse.

Rochester has stated that Jane has decided to leave him. He suggests that he should be with her now and live life elsewhere. Rochester tells Jane how he was tricked into marrying Bertha Mason, who was fact fat and that he wanted her in her fitful sleep then realizing their mother wants her to 'flee temptation.'

Rochester feels unhappy when Jane escapes from Thornfield. She travels by coach and foot across the moors after Mrs Dinsford assists. The unwanted sadness arrives at a village called Morton.

St John Rivers is unhappy when Jane rejects St John’s proposal of joining him as a missionary as his wife. He feels that it is her duty to go with him that she cannot see anyone else. He feels this pain is his only emotional reaction after his bid for love.

In the end, St John is miserable that Jane refuses to accept him, as his rejection turns into begging to twist their futures in his mind, showing his loneliness.

3. How do you feel about Jane Eyre, the character?

I feel that Jane Eyre is a character developing emotionally, personally, and mentally. She grows throughout the text as a rebellious and strong-willed woman. Her experiences at Gateshead, Lowood, and Thornfield shape her into a resilient individual who ultimately finds independence and love. Her happiness, though often suppressed, shines through her relationships, particularly with Rochester. Her rejection of St John's proposal reflects her strength to refuse a life without love, ensuring her emotional health is preserved. Jane's bravery and conviction make her a timeless and relatable character.

1. How does Brontë present Mr Rochester’s reactions to Jane 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

Worked Solution & Example Answer:1. How does Brontë present Mr Rochester’s reactions to Jane 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 in the extract?

How do you feel about Jane Eyre, the character?

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