Why doesn't Jane try to figure out who Grace Poole is?

Jane is very curious about Grace Poole and her mysteriousness.  Instead of  inquiring more about her, or trying to confront her, she ignores the curiosity. Jane is pretty sure that Grace Poole lit Mr. Rochester's bed on fire, but she doesn't tell anybody. It seems unlikely that she wouldn't try to figure out the mystery that is Grace Poole.

Is Jane Eyre more of a Bildungs Roman novel or Courtship novel? Or an even mixture of both? -Holly Skorupa

We learned this week about both elements of writing, and I was wondering if you thought the novel contained more of one element?


I believe that it has components of both. It's not a normal courtship novel, considering Jane is pursuing Mr. Rochester, and not the other way around. But, the Bildungs Roman in the story is plainly evident as we see Jane grow as a character.

Is Jane Eyre more of a Bildungs Roman novel, or a Courtship novel? Or can it be an even mixture of both? -Holly Skorupa

We learned this week about our flip

Why is Jane so readily thinking of a future with Mr. Rochester? - Cassie Barber

For Jane's entire past, she has been abused by men or treated horribly. Most people, if treated like she was, would be wary of any man they come close to. Yet Jane is not cautious of Mr. Rochester. In fact, she thinks of how handsome he is and gets jealous when she thinks Mr. Rochester has a fancy for Miss Ingram. All of her past abuse goes out the door when she meets Mr. Rochester, why?

Will Jane's past catch up with her eventually and affect her future relationships? Lillie Bowman

Jane has had a rough past life. She grew up with the Reeds being cruel to her. This could give her some insecurities later in life. She seems fine and well and content with the new chapters of her life. But could her past and the neglect and hardships she's been through affect her relationship with Mr. Rochester or cause some emotional instability.

Does Jane Eyre ever feel suicidal because shes so ugly? - Nate W

Throughout the story so far, many characters have called Jane ugly and plain. Now she is very jealous because Mr. Rochester is off on a trip with a very attractive woman and Jane begins to see her own flaws. Do you think through this all she has become depressed? Would she go as far as to kill herself?

How did they teach Adèle her schooling if she speaks fluent French?

How could they teach her if no one in the house knew French until Jane Eyre came? They had Jane ask her questions about before she came here but how had they not figured that out yet?

How Will Rochester's Past Affect Him and Jane Now? -Saylor S

There have been many subtle hints into the mysterious past of Mr. Rochester, and the audience has learned of some (Rochester and Celine, his brother, etc.), but what else is he hiding? Whatever it may be could greatly affect the relationship developing between he and Jane- especially if it is something serious that is catching up with him now. Will Jane have to deal with whatever that could be as well? Will it change either of their feelings for one another?

Will Celine Varens arrive back in the story causing more problems? -Christa Norton

In honesty, I believe that she will not return because it is just a side story in which Mr. Rocherster has lived. I think this way because the story is not about him but rather Jane's own past. And if she did return I believe that it may not cause much conflict because Mr. Rocherster is no longer in love or has any feelings for her. If anything there would be problems with his "daughter" but I don't that she will ever come back looking for her child.

What is with Jane's infatuation with her new love interest?

Jane Eyre has a inner conflict consisting of the tension between what it moral under God's eyes and passion. Jane feels a passion to be with Mr. Rochester but it is unethical due to him having a wife. This makes for a difficult situation because Jane wants to be with Mr. Rochester but it is wrong in the eyes of God. Throughout the novel it has been evident that Jane struggles with her desire for passion coming between her strong religious beliefs. This situation puts Jane's religious devotion to the test, in a reader's perspective it resonates that Jane is letting passion get the best of her over logic and her ethics.

What is the deal with Grace Poole?

Is it 100% confirmed that Grace was the one who set the fire off on Mr Rochester, or are those just accusations. IF this is the case what is the deeper meaning behind this. Who really is Grace? What has Rochester done to her to make her do this?

Do you think Mr. Rochester wants to know how Jane thinks of him? Valerie Gabel

When Mr. Rochester falls off his horse he doesn’t tell Jane his name. However, he brings himself up in the conversation after he finds out she works at Thornfield. Throughout the whole conversation he acts like he is some stranger who is friends with Mr. Rochester. Do you think he acted this way to find out information about what people think of him?

What is the mystery behind Grace Poole?

Throughout the chapters we've read, Grace Poole has slowly become more of mysterious character. It seems as though she laughs constantly for no reason, is always by herself, and  is allowed to set a fire in her master's bedroom with no consequence. Everybody at Thornfield is seemingly aware of the reason except for Jane Eyre. What is the big secret?

I have two guesses. Either she does some sort of secret job for Mr. Rochester that allows her to stay, or she's crazy but Mr. Rochester has a connection with her somehow and wants to take care of her.

Why is Jane more comfortable with speaking her mind rather than saying what she feels like she is supposed to say? -Breck

Jane has grown up in a family where no one believed what she had to say. I think Jane used this experience to learn that speaking your mind may be judged, but it is standing up for yourself. It shows her independence.

Why doesn't Mr. Rochester confess his love of Jane? Gus

To me it is obvious that there is a very romantic relationship between Jane and Mr. Rochester. There was even a point when he had to keep himself from calling her "my love". Why won't he admit his love for her?

I think is because of their different positions in life. He is rich. She is poor. Also, Mr. Rochester is her boss. That may provide a bit of a socially unacceptable situation between the two. Mr. Rochester won't say he loves her because of these reasons.

Why does Mr. Rochester not question Grace Poole after the bedrooom fire? Nyah Chambers

When Mr. Rochester and Jane are discussing the possible culprit of the fire Jane brings up Grace's unique laugh so naturally Mr. Rochester goes to investigate.  After he arrives back from the servant's housing area he makes it sounds as if he has taken care of the problem, so why does Grace show up the next day? Did Mr. Rochester even question her about her whereabouts the night of the fire or possibly check her possession to see if she had been hiding anything?

I believe that he let her off the hook because he had no proof except for Jane speaking of the laughter and even though he may seem like a cynical guy who doubts everyone he still might want to see the good in people.  Another thought is that Grace will try another murderous plan again and that the next time he will be ready to catch her read handed.

How is Jane Eyre different from the other stories we have read? Kaleb Vogt

We have read many different pieces from other books this year, but so far Jane Eyre has been much different. Why and how has Jane Eyre been so much different than other books like Pride and Prejudice that were from around the same era? Is it because Jane Eyre is considered Gothic or was Charlotte Bronte's life story different than everyone else's during her time?

Jane Eyre differs in many ways from other books during its time, but probably the biggest reason is the author, Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre was originally titled as an autobiography which means Bronte's life contributes greatly to the story. From what I've seen so far in the story, Jane Eyre is much different than the stereotypical girl from her time. She's often referred to as Plain Jane and has never stood out. Bronte's life reflects greatly in her writing and due to her being different than most women in her time the reader can see why Jane Eyre differs from other books.

Why does Mr. Rochester reject Adele? Logan R

Adele is the daughter of his ex. He doesn't want anything to do with that part of his life so he rejects her. He doesn't mistreat her he just doesn't treat her like his child. That part of his life is something he doesn't like to think about. There is a good chance Adele is his child but he can't be sure because he knows his ex was also with another man.

Why is there so many French passages? Coby Skretta

There is a lot of French in Jane Eyre for seemingly no reason.  Most of the time Bronte doesn't even offer up a clear translation or strong context clues as to the meaning. 

I think this may be simply because more people spoke French when she wrote this book.  Bronte didn't write this book for high school students in the early 21st century.  She wrote it for the people of England in the mid 19th century.  I'd bet that more people from her originally intended audience had a basic understanding of French than us high school students do today.

What does Mr. Rochester have against Jane? -Carissa VanBrockin

Jane and Mr. Rochester first met when he fell off his horse. He acted very rude to Jane; she asked if he was okay and stuck around until she was sure he was but he blew her off. The next day when interviewing her he blamed her for his fall and seemed like he didn't trust her to teach Adele or to live there at all. Why does Mr. Rochester act poorly towards Jane when says he's a nice person?

Personally, I think he may have been rude because he was embarrassed that he fell off his horse in front of her. He might also be acting rude to test her character and see if she's really a good fit to teach Adele.