Jane Eyre and How to Read Literature Like a Professor---Question #1

Did you notice any of the patterns Foster analyzed and discussed in How to Read Literature Like a Professor while reading Jane Eyre?  Which specific patterns, elements, characterizations from Foster's book can you connect to Jane Eyre?

Jane Eyre---Discussion Question #5

At a critical moment in the novel, Jane proclaims herself Rochester's equal:  "It is my spirit that addresses your spirit; just as if both of us had passed through the grave, and we stood at God's feet, equal---as we are!"  Rochester responds, "As we are!"  Why is Jane so passionately outspoken?  Is her self-valuation exceptional and true?  Is she more noble and impressive here than Rochester is?  Why is this long scene so important for the novel as a whole?

Jane Eyre---Discussion Question #3

How does the stormy weather in the opening scene reflect Jane's state of mind?  What do we learn about Jane's position in the household?  Why is the scene of her punishment in the red room so emotional?  How does the narration secure the reader's sympathy for Jane? 

Jane Eyre---Discussion Question #4

Jane is taking a walk when she first meets Mr. Rochester.  What is noteworthy about this first meeting?  What is the atmosphere?  What is the power dynamic?  How does he treat her when they meet back at the house?  What is Rochester attracted to in Jane?  What is she attracted to in him?

Jane Eyre---Discussion Question #2

Although Jane Eyre is a bildungsroman (a coming of age story), it is also a Gothic Novel.  What are some of the specific Gothic Literature elements that Charlotte Bronte utilizes throughout Jane Eyre? 

Jane Eyre---Discussion Question #1

How is Jane Eyre a bildungsroman (which is a novel that tells the story of a child’s maturation and focuses on the emotions and experiences that accompany and incite his or her growth to adulthood)?  What are some of the specific elements from the novel that show Jane Eyre's character coming of age?