Jane Eyre - Characters test questions - AQA - GCSE English Literature Revision

Read the extract from Jane Eyre and answer questions 1-4 below.

"Do you think I am an automaton? - A machine without feelings? And can bear to have my morsel of bread snatched from my lips, and my drop of living water dashed from my cup? Do you think because I am poor, obscure, plain and little that I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong! - I have as much soul as you - and full as much heart! And if God had gifted me with some beauty and much wealth, I should have made it as hard for you to leave me, as it is now for me to leave you."

1

In Jane’s speech to Rochester, which of Jane’s qualities (personality traits) are apparent?

She is content with her position in life

She is poor and plain but has spirit

She is timid and afraid of Rochester

2

What does Jane’s speech to Rochester tell you about life in 19th century for a woman?

Life was hard without connections and a lack of money

It was quite easy to move up in society

A woman could easily find a career on her own

3

Which words in the passage describe some of Jane’s attributes?

Obscure and plain

Soulless and heartless

Beautiful and wealthy

4

Why does Brontë use exclamation marks? What do they highlight about Jane?

She is passionate

She is boring

She is timid

Read the extract from Jane Eyre and answer questions 5-7 below.

...But as his wife - at his side always, and always restrained, and always checked - forced to keep the fire of my nature continually low, to compel it to burn inwardly and never utter a cry, though the imprisoned flame consumed vital after vital - this would be unendurable.

5

Why doesn't Jane want to marry St John?

She doesn't want to become a missionary in India

She is jealous of Miss Oliver

She doesn't love him

6

What impression does this extract give you of St John?

He is oving and affectionate

He is very religious

He is cold and controlling

7

What do Jane's thoughts tell you about marriage in the Victorian period?

Marriage was equal between the two sexes

Husbands had the power

Wives had the power

Read the extract from Jane Eyre and answer questions 8-10 below.

"Ah! Jane. But I want a wife."

"Do you, sir?"

"Yes: is it news to you?"

"Of course: you said nothing about it before."

"Is it unwelcome news?"

"That depends on the circumstances, sir - on your choice."

"Which you shall make for me, Jane. I will abide by your decision."

"Choose then, sir - her who loves you best."

"I will at least choose - her I love best. Jane, will you marry me?"

"Yes, sir."

"A poor blind man, whom you will have to lead about by the hand?"

"Yes, sir."

"A crippled man, twenty years older than you, whom you will have to wait on?"

"Yes, sir."

"Truly, Jane?"

"Most truly, sir."

"Oh! My darling! God bless you and reward you!"

8

Why does Rochester keep repeating 'Jane?'

So that he doesn't forget her name

Because he likes the name

Because he loves her and loves saying her name as a consequence

9

Pick out a phrase that shows Rochester is self-pitying.

Oh! My darling!'

A poor blind man.'

But I want a wife.'

10

How does Brontë present their dialogue as comical?

Their speech is short and fast-paced

Rochester can't see Jane's emotions - he doesn't know that she is toying with him

It isn't funny - it is romantic