Chapters 7–10 Summary and Analysis
Chapter 7
Jane’s hardship at Lowood continues throughout the winter. Despite the cold and their thin apparel, the girls are forced to spend an hour outside every day, which causes Jane’s feet to become swollen and inflamed. Due to the inadequate portions of food, many of the older students steal food from younger pupils like Jane.
For nearly a month since Jane’s arrival at Lowood, Mr. Brocklehurst has been away. Jane, fearing his promise to tell her teachers of her deceitful nature, is very glad of this. When Mr. Brocklehurst finally arrives, he admonishes Miss Temple for being too easy on the girls. Infuriated by a young girl’s naturally curly hair, Mr. Brocklehurst orders that her hair be cut off and then decides that all the girls must have their top knots cut off to make them more modest. In the middle of this outburst, Mr. Brocklehurst’s wife and daughters enter the room wearing fine gowns and hats with their hair in elaborate curls.
Jane hopes to go unnoticed by Mr. Brocklehurst but draws attention to herself by accidentally dropping her slate. Enraged, Mr. Brocklehurst forces Jane to stand on a stool in front of the whole school and proceeds to tell them that she is a wicked liar whom the other girls should shun. Utterly devastated, Jane is forced to remain on the stool for hours, her only consolation being the small smiles Helen gives her as she walks past.
Chapter 8
Jane remains on the stool until five o’clock. Once the rest of the girls have left, Jane breaks down and cries, fearing that everyone at the school will now despise her. Helen appears and comforts Jane, explaining that Mr. Brocklehurst is not well-liked and that most of the students and teachers likely felt pity for her.
Miss Temple invites both girls to her room and urges Jane to tell her side of the story. After Jane honestly describes her time at Gateshead, Miss Temple says she will write to Mr. Lloyd to confirm Jane’s account and publicly clear her of Mr. Brocklehurst’s accusation. Miss Temple spends several hours enjoyably conversing with the girls after kindly offering them seed cake and tea.
A week later, Mr. Lloyd confirms Jane’s story, and Miss Temple announces to the school that Jane has been completely cleared from the accusations of deceit. Encouraged by the clearing of her name, Jane immerses herself in her studies and begins to excel at school.
Chapter 9
By springtime, Jane’s life at Lowood has begun to improve. However, the warm temperatures and Lowood’s damp location make the school a breeding ground for disease. Soon, over half of the students are infected with typhus.
Jane and the other healthy students are allowed to do as they please while the school allocates all of its resources to the sick students. Many girls are taken from school by friends or relatives, and many others die. Jane remains healthy and spends her days outside with her new friend, Mary Ann Wilson.
Meanwhile, Helen has taken ill with consumption and is sequestered in Miss Temple’s room. When Jane overhears that Helen is near death, she sneaks into Miss Temple’s room to see her. Helen tells Jane that she is not afraid of dying because she knows she will be returning home to God. They fall asleep embracing one another, but when Jane wakes, Helen is dead. Helen is buried in an unmarked grave in the churchyard, though Jane reveals that she later had a marble tablet inscribed with Helen’s name and “Resurgam” erected on the spot.
Chapter 10
After the typhus epidemic, the large number of victims at Lowood attracts public attention. When the school’s wealthy benefactors learn of the unhealthy conditions and neglect suffered by the girls, Mr. Brocklehurst is demoted and Lowood is relocated. The school’s management is entrusted to a committee, and the conditions greatly improve.
Jane remains at Lowood for another eight years—six as a student and two as a teacher. When Miss Temple marries and leaves Lowood, Jane—now eighteen—decides she is in need of a change and advertises her services as a governess. She accepts an offer from Mrs. Fairfax and makes plans to travel to her new charge at Thornfield Hall. Before she leaves, Jane is visited by Bessie, who reveals that Mrs. Reed is constantly uneasy due to John’s irresponsible behavior. Bessie also informs Jane that her uncle, Mr. John Eyre, showed up looking for her several years ago.
Analysis
These chapters reveal the depths of Mr. Brocklehurst’s hypocrisy and illustrate the devastating consequences of his abuse. In the end, however, Mr. Brocklehurst is rightfully punished for his unchristian behavior and loses his position of power at Lowood, a turning point in Jane's time at the school.
Contrasted against the cruelty of Mr. Brocklehurst is the inherent kindness and goodness of Miss Temple, who guides Jane, helping her to clear her name and encouraging her to excel in her studies. Helen and Miss Temple are the first people to truly love Jane for herself, and after the loss of Helen, Jane comes to see Miss Temple as both a maternal figure and a dear companion. Through Miss Temple’s example, Jane learns to better regulate her passionate emotions, becoming more disciplined and subdued.
Bessie’s visit, which occurs just as Jane is about to move into the next phase of her life, highlights the extent of Jane's personal growth: she arrived at Lowood as a restless young girl but leaves an intelligent and accomplished young woman. Bessie admits that Jane’s abilities far outstrip those of her beautiful cousins, Eliza and Georgiana, illustrating once again that neither wealth nor physical beauty is an indicator of inner worth or ability.
Though Jane possesses the education and manners of an upper-class woman, her decision to post an advertisement for a governess position serves as a reminder of her humble social position. However, rather than feeling sorry for herself for having been cast off by her only relatives, the Reeds, Jane embraces her need to work for a living as a form of independence.
Interestingly, Bessie's visit also reveals that Jane may have a previously unknown relation—Mr. Eyre. Though it isn't yet clear why Jane’s uncle might be looking for her, his existence will become significant later on.
Expert Q&A
How does Helen Burns endure her punishment in Jane Eyre?
Helen Burns endures her punishment in Jane Eyre with silent acceptance and resilience, believing it is her duty to bear it. She forgives her abusers and tries to live by Christian principles, contrasting with Jane's fiery nature. Helen's stoicism and faith in God provide her strength, even in the face of harsh conditions that ultimately lead to her death.
What symbolism is present in Chapter 8 of Jane Eyre?
In Chapter 8, symbolism is evident through names and places. Miss Temple represents refuge and comfort, offering Jane solace akin to a sanctuary. Miss Scratcherd's name reflects her harshness and oppression at Lowood. Helen symbolizes heroism, akin to Helen of Troy, rescuing Jane emotionally. The red room symbolizes punishment and alienation, recurring as a reminder of Jane's emotional imprisonment. These symbols highlight themes of refuge, oppression, and personal growth.
What is your opinion on Mr. Brocklehurst's philosophy of education in Chapter 7 of Jane Eyre?
Mr. Brocklehurst's philosophy of education in Chapter 7 is criticized for its harshness and hypocrisy. He advocates for a spartan lifestyle to build character, denying students basic comforts like adequate food and clothing. This approach is self-serving and neglects the students' well-being, leading to their physical suffering and even premature deaths. His hypocrisy is evident as he indulges in personal luxuries while enforcing austerity on the girls, making him a figure of cruelty in the narrative.
How does Charlotte Bronte use the supernatural in chapter 10 of Jane Eyre?
In Chapter 10, Charlotte Bronte uses the supernatural subtly through Jane's sudden inspiration to seek employment by placing an ad in a newspaper. This idea strikes Jane so unexpectedly that she attributes it to a "kind fairy," suggesting a sense of fate or providence guiding her. The swift, seemingly unprompted arrival of this solution suggests a supernatural influence, highlighting Jane's journey as one intertwined with destiny.
How does Charlotte Bronte use the supernatural in Chapter Ten of Jane Eyre?
In Chapter Ten, Charlotte Brontë uses the supernatural to depict a moment of inspiration for Jane Eyre. Faced with the challenge of finding new employment after Miss Temple's departure, Jane struggles to devise a plan. In a moment of frustration, she describes how a "kind fairy" or supernatural influence seemingly drops the solution onto her pillow, suggesting she advertise in the local newspaper. This use of the supernatural highlights Jane's inner turmoil and the mysterious arrival of guidance.
What announcement does Miss Temple make about Jane Eyre after hearing from Mr. Lloyd?
After Mr. Lloyd confirms Jane's account of events at Gateshead, Miss Temple assembles the students and staff at Lowood and publicly declares that Jane is innocent of the accusations against her.
The depiction of the harsh conditions and hardships endured by students at Lowood School in Jane Eyre
Jane Eyre depicts the harsh conditions and hardships at Lowood School through poor nutrition, inadequate clothing, and strict discipline. Students suffer from cold, hunger, and illness, and are subjected to severe punishments. The school's neglectful and abusive environment highlights the broader social issues of neglect and mistreatment of children in educational institutions during the Victorian era.
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