“”Psalms are not interesting.,” [Jane] remarked.
“That proves you have a wicked heart; and you must pray to God to change it”” (37)

In this part of the story, Jane was assessed by Mr. Brocklehurst, who would subsequently admit her into Lowood.  After being asked what parts of the Bible she liked, she named off Revelations, Daniel, Genesis, Kings, Chronicles, Job, and Jonah.  When she mentioned that she did not enjoy the book of Psalms, Mr. Brocklehurst was appalled.  However, I find it perfectly natural that Jane leaned more toward books that dealt with suffering.  After all, she was aware that her life was far from ideal.

What aspects of Jane’s character do you think were revealed in her choice of favorite books of the Bible?  Do you think Mr. Brocklehurst’s reaction was warranted?

Jane: “”I declare I do not love you … People think you’re a good woman, but you are bad; hard-hearted” … my soul began to expand, to exult, with the strongest sense of freedom” (41)

Ms. Reed accused Jane of being untruthful, and Jane was so upset about it that she calls her aunt out.  Ms. Reed is so flabbergasted, she concedes and leaves the room, leaving Jane to feel an overwhelming sense of victory.  This is Jane’s highest moment so far, and the scene serves as a dynamic example of her passionate nature and unwillingness to bend to injustice.  I wonder if she keeps her spirit as she gets older and goes through Lowood.

Do you think Jane was right in rebuking her aunt?  Should she retain her passion, or should she learn to be more mild-mannered as society expected of ladies at that time?

“a keen north-east wind … made us shiver in our beds … how small my portion seemed!” (63)

Lowood’s “discipline” is actually outright neglect of the girls.  Frozen water pitchers and little or inedible food were normal things to the students, and the reprimands from some teachers were infamous for being quite unreasonable and mean.  It’s quite sad to think that young children were subject to such harsh mental and physical conditions.

In a previous chapter, Mr. Brocklehurst stated that hardship and what he called humble conditions build strain character and pious women.  Take the content of his character out of it.  Is the statement true?  What may the side effects of Lowood conditions be on the students?  The teachers?

Helen Burns:  “She has been unkind to you, no doubt; because, you see, she dislikes your character, as Miss Scratcherd does mine … Would you not be happier if you tried to forget her severity, together with the passionate emotions it excited?” (70)

This is yet another example of someone trying to quell Jane’s vigor and spirit.  I find it interesting how Jane remains so assured of her self-worth, and I admire her character.  However, Helen is also admirable in her patience and reserved nature.  Her readings are more grounded in reality, and she does not occupy her thoughts with how much her suffering has effected her, unlike Jane, who clings to her trauma.

How can Helen help Jane become a better character?  How can Jane help Helen?  Is Jane justified in her deep-seated hatred for Ms. Reed?