Isolation And Belonging Flashcards
(22 cards)
Quote that illustrates Jane’s early sense of alienation at Gateshead.
A: “I was a discord in Gateshead Hall.”
Analysis: This metaphor highlights Jane’s feeling of being out of place and unwelcome in her aunt’s home, setting the stage for her lifelong struggle with belonging.
Q: How does Jane’s role as a governess contribute to her isolation?
A: As a governess, Jane occupies a liminal social position—neither servant nor family—which isolates her from both groups. This reflects the Victorian societal structure that often left governesses socially marginalized.
Q: Quote that demonstrates Jane’s self-imposed isolation at Thornfield.
A: “I was shrined in double retirement.”
Analysis: The use of “shrined” suggests a sacred, self-created space of solitude, indicating Jane’s retreat into herself as a coping mechanism.
Q: How does Jane’s relationship with Rochester evolve to reflect mutual belonging?
A: Initially marked by power imbalances, their relationship evolves into one of equality and mutual respect, especially after Rochester’s physical impairments humble him, allowing Jane to return on equal footing.
Q: What is the significance of the Red Room in symbolizing Jane’s isolation?
A: The Red Room represents Jane’s physical and emotional isolation, as well as the unjust treatment she receives from her relatives. It becomes a recurring symbol of her feelings of exclusion and trauma.
Q: Quote that reflects Jane’s emotional state after discovering Rochester’s secret.
A: “Jane Eyre… was a cold solitary girl again.”
Analysis: This line underscores Jane’s return to emotional isolation, emphasizing the depth of her despair and sense of betrayal.
Q: Quote that shows Jane finding a sense of family with the Rivers siblings.
A: “It seems I have now found a brother, one I could be proud of, one I could love, and two sisters. This was wealth indeed.”
Analysis: This moment marks a turning point where Jane experiences genuine familial love and acceptance, contrasting her earlier isolation.
Q: Quote that illustrates Jane’s emotional fulfillment at Moor House.
A: “Perfect congeniality of tastes, sentiments and principles.”
Analysis: This line highlights the harmony and shared values Jane finds with the Rivers family, fulfilling her longing for connection.
Q: What does Jane’s inheritance symbolize in terms of belonging?
A: Jane’s inheritance provides her with financial independence, enabling her to choose relationships based on love and respect rather than necessity, thus securing her place in society on her own terms.
Q: How does Brontë use setting to reinforce themes of isolation?
A: Settings like the Red Room, Lowood School, and the moors are depicted as physically and emotionally isolating, mirroring Jane’s internal struggles and societal marginalization.
Q: In what ways does Jane’s quest for belonging challenge Victorian social norms?
A: Jane seeks emotional and moral equality in her relationships, defying the rigid class and gender hierarchies of Victorian society that often dictated subservient roles for women.
Q: Discuss the role of self-respect in Jane’s decisions regarding isolation and belonging.
A: Jane’s strong sense of self-respect leads her to reject relationships that compromise her principles, even if it means enduring isolation, ultimately guiding her toward authentic connections.
Q: Quote that shows Jane’s early isolation at Gateshead.
A: “I was a discord in Gateshead Hall.”
Q: Quote that shows Jane’s self-imposed isolation.
A: “I was shrined in double retirement.”
Q: Quote that shows Jane’s emotional state after leaving Rochester.
A: “Jane Eyre… was a cold solitary girl again.”
Q: Quote that shows Jane’s physical isolation on the moors
A: “Far and wide on each side there were only fields.”
Q: Quote that shows Jane finding a sense of family with the Rivers siblings.
A: “It seems I have now found a brother, one I could be proud of, one I could love, and two sisters. This was wealth indeed.”
Q: Quote that shows Jane’s emotional fulfillment at Moor House.
A: “Perfect congeniality of tastes, sentiments and principles.”
Q: Quote that shows Jane’s realization of emotional wealth. R
A: “This was wealth indeed!—wealth to the heart!”  
Q: How does Jane’s position as a governess contribute to her isolation?
A: As a governess, Jane occupies an ambiguous social position—neither servant nor family—which leads to her being socially isolated and treated as inferior
Q: How does the Red Room symbolize Jane’s early experiences of isolation?
A: The Red Room represents Jane’s physical and emotional isolation, as well as the unjust treatment she receives from her relatives.
Q: How does Jane’s time at Moor House contrast with her previous experiences of isolation?
A: At Moor House, Jane experiences genuine familial love and acceptance, contrasting sharply with her earlier feelings of alienation.
