Mr Rochester Flashcards
(15 cards)
Q: What traits make Mr. Rochester a Byronic hero?
A: He is brooding, passionate, emotionally complex, flawed, mysterious, and haunted by a dark past.
Q: How is Rochester’s appearance described to reflect his Byronic nature?
A: He is depicted as dark, stern, and rugged—“not handsome” but compelling
Q: What is the significance of Rochester’s first appearance in the novel?
A: Jane meets him when his horse slips on ice, symbolizing his instability and the beginning of their complex relationship
Q: What secret does Rochester keep at Thornfield Hall?
A: He hides his wife, Bertha Mason, who is mentally ill and confined in the attic.
Q: How does Thornfield Hall symbolize Rochester’s inner turmoil?
A: The mansion represents his hidden sins and the burden of his past.
Q: What does the fire at Thornfield Hall represent?
A: It symbolizes the destruction of Rochester’s old life and the possibility of redemption.
Q: Why did Rochester marry Bertha Mason?
A: He was deceived by his family and hers into an arranged marriage, unaware of her hereditary madness
Q: How does Rochester describe Bertha?
A: He refers to her as a “harlot” and “unchaste,” reflecting his resentment and sense of betrayal
Q: What is Jane’s reaction upon discovering Bertha?
A: She is shocked and chooses to leave Rochester to preserve her self-respect and moral integrity.
Q: What physical injuries does Rochester suffer?
A: He loses his sight and a hand in the fire at Thornfield Hall
Q: How do these injuries affect Rochester’s character?
A: They humble him, making him more dependent and reflective, leading to personal growth.
Q: What is the significance of Jane returning to Rochester after his injuries?
A: It marks their reunion as equals, with Rochester’s transformation allowing for a balanced relationship.
Q: How does Rochester embody the characteristics of a Byronic hero?
A: Through his brooding nature, troubled past, emotional depth, and defiance of social norms.
Q: In what ways does Rochester’s relationship with Jane challenge Victorian social conventions?
A: Their bond defies class and gender expectations, emphasizing emotional and intellectual compatibility over societal norms.
Q: What role does suffering play in Rochester’s character development?
A: His physical and emotional suffering leads to humility and personal growth, enabling a more equitable relationship with Jane.
