Chapters 5-10

Chapters Summary

In chapter five Jane leaves the Reed household in order to begin her new life at the Lowood institution. This is also where Jane learns that Lowood is a part charitable institution for mostly orphans and information about the school and her teachers. Throughout chapter six Jane learns of Miss temple, through talks with Helen burns. Mr Brocklehurst accuses Jane of deceitfulness. All of the girls are forbidden to speak to her.In chapter seven Jane continues to lament on her time at Lowood throughout the winter months and the hardships which followed, it is also in this chapter that Mr Brocklehurst proves himself to be a hypocrite. In chapter eight Miss Temple invites Jane and Helen Burns to her study for supper and Jane explains her woeful tail and consequently is proved innocent. In chapter nine Jane describes the setting of Lowood after winter and learns that Helen burns is seriosly ill and likely to die. Chapter ten brings the story forward 8 years, Jane applies for a job as governess and is successful. Bessie meets her before she leaves for Thornfield.

Characters

we meet a number of new characters throughout the following five chapters. Helen Burns is introduced as a hardworking, loyal, christian girl and a great source of comfort to Jane, especially during the time that she is humiliated and upset by Mr Brocklehurst, however Helen is more reserved than jane especially in the way in which she voices her opinions of her teachers. Miss Temple, the kind natured, motherfigure to jane is also introduced. The character of Mr Brocklehurst is also reintroduced and he is further shown to be the cruel and vindictive man we know him to be. Janes character also develops quite alot during chapters five to ten as she seems to continually complain about her life at lowood and seems somewhat self-centred at points. On the other hand Jane appears to have learnt a great deal about herself over the past eight or so years that she has spent at Lowood, especially under the care and protection of Miss Temple. Jane has grown up and appears to have learnt from her personal experiences to develop into a young lady who is much less emotional and over-dramatic.

Themes

The theme of religion is strongly contrasted. Jane does not understand the concept of religion, not having been brought up in its presence. When she meets Helen who is heavily christian her naivety is more prominent.

Jane searches for love and also for a sense of place. She has never experienced it, she even says “to gain some real affection from you, or Miss Temple, or any other whom I truly love, I would willingly submit to have the bone of my arm broken, or to let a bull toss me, or to stand behind a kicking horse, and let it dash its hoof at my chest” this shows just how desperate she truly is, going as far to say that she would have her arm broken just to know love.

Hypocrisy is also a key theme running through the past few chapters as with Mr Brocklehurst's speech about the clothing of the girls etc. This just shows how he doesn't follow his own beliefs which he takes from the bible. This also links with the other key theme of religion.

Motifs & Symbols

The most significant motif which reoccurs is the aspect of contrast between the striking and colourful language which conjures many strong visual images in the minds eye and the ordinary day to day life which Jane seems to talk about on a number of occasions.

Hardship is also an apparent motif as Jane never seems to hold down a content or even reasonably stable state of emotions. Just when we believe Jane is finally happy, yet another problem arises, consequently Jane becomes sad and the rich and positively filled text becomes bland and negative.

Personal Response

In my opinion the book has become much more satisfying. By this i mean that the flow of the story has quickened in its pace and i find myself wanting to know what happens next and asking questions. As the story progresses i begin to sympathise with the situtation that Jane is in and the writing style of bronte allows me to relate to her. I also feel that as Jane grows older the plot and storyline becomes more intersting hence why i am beginning to truly enjoy the book.