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Read the following extract from Chapter 8 of Jane Eyre and then answer the question that follows - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 4 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 4
Read the following extract from Chapter 8 of Jane Eyre and then answer the question that follows. In this extract, Helen Burns comforts Jane after she has been puni... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the following extract from Chapter 8 of Jane Eyre and then answer the question that follows - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 4 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
how Brontë presents Jane in this extract
Answer
In this extract, Brontë presents Jane as an emotionally charged character who deeply values human connections. Her intense reaction to Helen's counsel highlights her impulsiveness and desperation for love and acceptance. Jane’s willingness to endure physical harm for affection, as expressed in her dramatic statement about preferring to be harmed than to be unloved, underscores her intense emotional vulnerability. This impetuosity contrasts with Helen's calm and rational demeanor.
Brontë also showcases Jane's inner strength through her conversation with Helen. Despite feeling ostracized, Jane insists on the validity of her emotions, illustrating her struggle with societal expectations of femininity. Her yearning for validation through friendships emphasizes her isolation and sets a foundation for her character development throughout the novel.
Moreover, the warmth of Jane's interaction with Helen, reflected in their physical contact, portrays a deeper sense of trust and connection, illustrating the support systems that Jane yearns for in her life. The act of holding hands symbolizes a comforting bond, contrasting sharply with Jane's feelings of loneliness.
This passage highlights Jane's internal conflict: her desire for companionship against her overwhelming fear of rejection and solitude. Brontë effectively uses this interplay of emotions to develop Jane’s character and her search for identity within the confines of a strict social order.
Step 2
how far Brontë presents Jane learning about herself and life from one or more female character(s) in the novel as a whole
Answer
In the broader context of the novel, Jane Eyre’s interactions with female characters significantly contribute to her personal growth and understanding of her place in the world. Helen Burns and Miss Temple serve as pivotal figures in Jane’s development.
Helen Burns embodies a stoic resilience and an unwavering moral compass. Through Helen, Jane learns about the importance of inner strength, faith, and understanding. Helen’s serene acceptance of her suffering illuminates for Jane the complexities of faith and justice. Even though Helen represents a model of self-sacrifice, she also exemplifies a sense of moral superiority that complicates Jane's understanding of herself and her identity.
Miss Temple, on the other hand, offers a contrasting perspective. As a more authoritative yet nurturing figure, she represents a source of wisdom and validation for Jane. Through her interactions with Miss Temple, Jane recognizes the significance of compassion and principled leadership. Miss Temple’s support during Jane’s trials helps solidify her sense of worth, reinforcing Jane’s belief in just leadership.
Overall, Brontë uses these relationships to highlight Jane’s journey toward self-discovery and empowerment. Both Helen and Miss Temple challenge Jane’s views on love, friendship, and social values, ultimately guiding her to a more profound understanding of herself as a woman navigating a patriarchal society. This evolution reflects the broader themes of women’s roles and expectations in the 19th century, quintessentially intertwining Jane’s personal narrative with the societal commentary that Brontë weaves throughout the novel.