1 (a) 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
Question 1
1 (a) 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 suspec... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:1 (a) 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
Step 1
How does Mr Rochester react when he first sees Jane?
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Mr Rochester initially expresses confusion and disbelief at seeing Jane again. His repeated questioning: 'Who is this?' indicates his incredulity and surprise. The abruptness of his questions suggests a mix of emotions, including surprise and joy.
Step 2
How does Mr Rochester's language reflect his feelings?
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Mr Rochester's use of the exclamation 'Great God!' highlights his intense disbelief. His language conveys a sense of desperation and loss, using phrases like 'what delusion' to demonstrate his internal struggle with reality.
Step 3
What actions does Mr Rochester take that illustrate his feelings?
96%
101 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
His physical reactions, such as groping and wandering with uncertainty, reflect his mental state. The hyperbolic expression 'my heart will stop and my brain burst' emphasizes his emotional turmoil and strain.
Step 4
How does Mr Rochester confirm Jane's identity?
98%
120 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
The moment he holds Jane's hand and acknowledges her touch signifies his realization of her presence. His comments about her small, timid fingers reveal his affection and the deep emotional connection he feels at that moment.
Step 5
How does Mr Rochester articulate his confusion and joy?
97%
117 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
He oscillates between joy and confusion, describing Jane as 'my little Jane', which conveys his personal longing and joy juxtaposed with his sense of disbelief about the situation being real. His admission of living in 'misery' suggests the depth of his past pain and the joy her return represents.
