Jane Eyre Blog Post 1 [Chapters 1-10]

1.    What is your initial opinion of Jane?  What aspects of the narrative help to develop this opinion?  What can you determine about her character by her statements and her surroundings?

When I first began reading I saw Jane as just another ordinary girl, until the story progressed.  Jane had a difficult past; her parents had died when she was very young causing her to live with her Aunt, Mrs. Reed.  Her aunt was very strict with her and on several occasions cruel towards her as well.  Jane questioned why she was “always suffering” and in the same instance asked, “Why could I never please?” (pg 14).  This revealed Jane’s innocence and strong sense of justice.  Jane fully understood that her horrible treatment was unjust; she knew that whatever she would do, it would never be good enough. 

Jane doesn’t seem to really care much of riches and luxury.  When she goes to Lowood she obviously notices the difference between the two households, but doesn’t pay much attention to it.  I believe Jane just wants to be happy; which isn’t much of a task in her case, since she is quite content with her life at Lowood thus far.  Once again, Jane’s innocence is displayed when she vocalizes her thoughts to Helen about her mistreatment by Miss Scatcherd.  Jane sees things in simple terms and doesn’t care much to strive towards a deeper meaning behind words, actions, etc. 

The fact that Jane Eyre is written in Jane’s perspective, it gives the audience a greater sense of how she feels and interprets things.  We see all of the events in the book, as Jane perceives them to be.  Accordingly, Jane’s innocence and sense of justice are exemplified within the narration of this novel.  

2.    Mr. Brocklehurst says that hardship builds strong character.  In your opinion, is this true?  Using the text, discuss how Jane proves or disproves this statement.

In my opinion it is true that hardship builds character.  Personally, I believe that all men and women make the effort to pursue their full extent of happiness.  Accordingly, if a person is going through rough patches in their life, they will attempt to fix it or at least move forward.  One gains strength by moving forward in their life when faced with troubles.  Life goes on, and as cliché as that may sound, it holds a great deal of truth. 

Jane picks up her life and turns it around.  When she grows older she becomes a teacher in her previous school, Lowood.  From Lowood she moves to Thornfield pursuing a new job.  Her whole journey has shown her growth and accomplishments; she was able to go from hating all aspects of her life to becoming a successful woman.  All of this proves Mr. Brocklehurst’s statement. 

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I chose this picture because I believe the weight this child is lifting is symbolic of all the hardships he has faced.  This young boy has used all of his strength to lift the stress of all his problems off his shoulders.  Acknowledging the fact that this weight lifter is so young, I believe it better relates to Jane and her past.  


My Goals ={D

1. I hope to learn some new vocabulary and use it in my writing.  I want to actually take something from doing word within the word tests weekly.
How - Well, I plan on actually studying this year for those tests and trying new ways of learning and remembering the words in the future.

2. I want to keep up with all of my english work this year.  So far this has been a bit challenging due to the work load I have in all of my other classes.  I also had a religious event to attend that affected my ability to finish all of my work on time, causing me to request an extension. 
How - I believe I can do this by NOT PROCRASTINATING, which I really don't have a problem with but sometimes I get lazy.  I can also try to be a bit more organized allowing myself to break down assignments giving myself mini due dates to keep up.