Jane Eyre

About the story

Orphaned Jane Eyre survives a cruel aunt and a harsh boarding school to become a governess at Thornfield Hall. She and its brooding master, Mr. Rochester, grow close — but strange laughter and fires in the night hint that Thornfield is hiding something. Jane must decide what she will and won't give up for love. Recommended for ages 13+.

Before reading

• What does it mean to respect yourself?
• Have you ever been treated unfairly for being different?

Discussion questions

1. How is Jane treated as a child? How does she respond?
2. What does Jane learn from her friend Helen at school?
3. Why are Jane and Mr. Rochester drawn to each other?
4. What clues suggest Thornfield has a secret?
5. Why does Jane make the choice she does, even though it hurts her?
6. How do the pictures show Jane's strength, even when she is quiet?

Words to know

• Governess — a woman employed to teach children in a private home.
• Independence — being free to make your own choices.
• Brooding — deeply thoughtful and moody.
• Gothic — a style of story with mystery and dark old houses.
• Moor — wild, open land in northern England.

Activities

• Jane's voice. The novel is told by Jane. Choose a panel and write what Jane is thinking in that moment.
• Clue hunt. List every mysterious event at Thornfield in order. Could you guess the secret before it was revealed?