; jane eyre .. chapters 1-1o

Mr. Brocklehurst says that hardship builds strong character. In your opinion, is this true? Using the text, discuss how Jane proves or disproves this statement.

I agree with this statement.. whether or not hardship builds strong positive or negative character, it still builds it. In Janes situation, the hardship she faces contributes to the positive development to her character. Although this is the case for several people, I believe that a lot of the time, people (children in particular) who are faced with harship, become strong...although the strength is usually derived from bad habits. (such as; violence)

1. What is your initial opinion of Jane? What aspects of the narrative help to develop this opinion? What can you determine about her character by her statements and her surroundings.

Within the first few chapters of Jane Eyre, it's clear that Jane is an exceedingly determined, spirited human being. She has respect for herself, and is able to recognize insolent, demeaning behavior. She continuously questions her situation, and why she's the only person in her household being brutally subjugated. She showed an extremely strong sense of courage, due to the fact that she always attempted to stand up for herself. The book is written from the perspective of Jane herself, which helps to build her character quickly, by interpreting her own inner thoughts regarding Ms.Reed, her aunt, and John.

The book starts off describing a day in the life of Jane…she struggles to find time to herself, to read, and immediately after she finds time to do so, she's disturbed, and punished, by her cousin John. “You have no business to take our books; you are a dependant, mama says; you have no money; your father left you none; you ought to beg, and not to live here with gentlemen’s children like us.” Each time Jane attempted to stand up for herself, she was either told to keep her opinions to herself, or was locked away for hours at a time, resulting in the complete negligence of her existence. Regardless of the emotional turmoil this clearly causes within Jane’s self, dealing with physical abuse, and disparaging responses such as "you are less than a servant, for you do nothing, for your keep" helps Jane build her own moral character, and determination in order to progress in the future.

Furthermore, Jane shows completely sincerity while she shows no interest at all in material possessions, such as wealth and royalty. Aspects of life, which seem so incredibly necessary to the Reeds, are completely purposeless in the eyes of Jane, which is shown during her stay at Lowood. All of these characteristics described contribute to the sincerity, determination and respect that Jane Eyre most definitely holds within her.