Jane Eyre Study Guide For Grades 9-12.pdf

Jane Eyre is a story about a mistreated orphan who learns to rise above her adversities by relying on God's grace and her own intelligent and independent spirit. The novel follows Jane's life, which is marked by temptations and difficulties, but also by growth and resilience. Jane's first ten years are unhappy, spent in the home of her aunt where she is unloved and despised. She is then sent to a charitable institution where she spends eight years, eventually becoming a teacher. At 18, Jane seeks a new position as governess at Thornfield Hall, where her employer, Mr. Rochester, takes a lively interest in her. However, a dark secret is uncovered that causes Jane to flee from Mr. Rochester, only to return to him a year later due to God's providence and a familiar voice.

Jane assumes that Mrs. Fairfax, the housekeeper, is a widow, but later discovers that she is not. The owner of Thornfield Hall is Mr. Rochester, who is to be Jane's student's guardian. The student, Adele, is Mr. Rochester's ward. While touring the manor, Jane hears an unsettling noise, which Mrs. Fairfax attributes to the wind, but there is evidence to the contrary, suggesting that the noise may be caused by a supernatural presence.

As Jane walks alone at night, she hears something approach and thinks it may be a thief. However, when she reaches Thornfield, she discovers that the stranger is Mr. Rochester, who is bold and confident. Before meeting Mr. Rochester, the reader has learned that he is a dominant presence, even when absent, and that he has a strong spirit.

Jane feels a sense of equality with Mrs. Fairfax, who is not condescending towards her, making Jane's position "all the freer." Thornfield seems strange and unexplained, with mysterious noises and an eerie atmosphere.