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In Chapter 9 Jane Eyre describes the arrival of spring at Lowood - Edexcel - GCSE English Literature - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1

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In Chapter 9 Jane Eyre describes the arrival of spring at Lowood. Spring drew on – she was indeed already come; the frosts of winter had ceased; its snows were melt... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:In Chapter 9 Jane Eyre describes the arrival of spring at Lowood - Edexcel - GCSE English Literature - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1

Step 1

How Brontë presents the arrival of spring at Lowood School in this extract.

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Answer

In the extraction from Jane Eyre, Brontë vividly portrays the arrival of spring at Lowood through a combination of vivid imagery, personification, and metaphor.

Imagery of Spring

Brontë personifies spring, describing how 'the frosts of winter had ceased; its snows were melted, its cutting winds ameliorated.' This establishes spring as a time of renewal and healing, contrasting sharply with the harshness of winter. The imagery continues with new life emerging: 'Flowers peeped out: snowdrops, crocuses, purple and golden-eyed pansies,' which visually enrich the scene and enhance the reader's appreciation of nature's beauty.

Contrast with Winter

The text contrasts the beauty of spring with the prior torment of winter through descriptions like 'frozen the very blood in our veins' and 'mists as chill as death.' This juxtaposition emphasizes the relief that spring brings, highlighting Jane's joy in her physical recovery and the awakening of the landscape.

Personification of Hope

Hope is introduced as a character in this transformation: 'that Hope traversed them at night, and left each morning brighter traces of her steps.' This personification imbues spring with a sense of optimism and renewal, suggesting that nature itself is an agent of change in Jane's life.

Use of Lists and Alliteration

Brontë employs the use of lists to enhance the abundance of spring, as seen in the many flowers introduced. Furthermore, alliteration in phrases like 'purple peaks, gold gleam' adds a lyrical quality, suggesting the richness and vibrancy of the scene.

Reflections on Nature’s Power

The passage reflects on the duality of nature’s beauty and its power, as represented by the beck in winter. Describing it as a 'torrent, turbid and curbless,' Brontë captures the violence of winter, contrasting it with the gentler, nurturing qualities of spring, which is characterized by 'days of blue sky, placid sunshine.' This layered portrayal creates a complex relationship between Jane and her environment, embodying her emotional state through the changing seasons.

Step 2

Explain how Jane expresses her physical pain during the extract.

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Answer

In the extract from Jane Eyre, Jane's physical pain is conveyed through vivid descriptions and evocative imagery that not only reflect her suffering but also her resilience.

Imagery of Suffering

The opening lines starkly present Jane's condition: 'My wretched feet, flayed and swollen to lameness.' The use of strong adjectives like 'wretched' and 'flayed' emphasizes the extent of her physical agony, while 'swollen to lameness' communicates her inability to walk freely, trapping her in her suffering. This impactful imagery serves to elicit empathy from the reader, drawing them into Jane's plight.

Hyperbole and Emotional Depth

The hyperbole found in 'froze the very blood in our veins' suggests a profound and chilling discomfort, illustrating the harshness of her circumstances. This phrase suggests a deeper emotional pain, as it translates physical unease into a visceral, almost existential experience.

Contrast of Physical and Emotional Experience

Moreover, Jane’s pain allows her to contrast the vibrancy of life in spring with her past suffering, creating a poignant reflection on her journey. As spring signifies renewal, it accentuates the depth of her previous pain, creating a backdrop against which her healing becomes even more significant. Her resilience is reflected not only in surviving pain but in her emerging optimism as the season changes, hinting at her eventual emotional recovery.

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