TEACHERS’
FILE
JANE EYRE
(DVD)
BRIDGE 03, November 2007
Dear teachers,
This file contains a summary of the
movie, cultural background of the novel
and biographical notes of the author,
Charlotte Brontë. We also prepared
practical tasks and activities based on
the movie for you and your students.
In this file, the movie Jane Eyre (1996)
is divided into several phases of Jane’s
life from her childhood till her marriage
to Mr Rochester. Each part includes a
GLOSSARY of the difficult expressions,
various tasks and solutions. Some tasks
are questions for discussion based
on the understanding of individual
episodes (marked DISCUSS); others
can be given to students as handouts
(marked HANDOUT).
This file, as well as the whole script
of the film, handouts for students
and extra activities, are all available
for teachers on the BRIDGE WEB
(www.bridge-online.cz, section: ‘přístup
učitelé’); the password is ACTIVITY.
About the author
and the novel
Charlotte Brontë is not afraid of
showing her criticism of men. In Jane
Eyre she creates two contrasting
characters. Mr Brocklehurst is a
strict, dogmatic disciplinarian, who
represents the circumstances of
England of that age. He is critical,
unimaginative and afraid of any sign
of freedom of the woman’s mind.
Mr Rochester, on the other hand, is
warm-hearted, observant, thoughtful
and encouraging. In his character,
Charlotte expressed some of her own,
secret romantic hope for the future.
Another aspect of the novel is the
effort to draw attention to the conditions
in which poor children and governesses
had to live and work. In this sense we
can see the beginning of the future
realistic movement. Charlotte’s, as well
as Jane’s feeling of ‘shyness’ didn’t
derive from her coldness or vanity, but
from the fact that she could not hope to
be understood. In her Roe Head journal
from 14th October 1834 she wrote:
“I wanted to speak, to rise… It was
impossible.”
The novel Jane Eyre as well as other
works by the Brontë sisters became
classics of English literature.
– Rich children learned at home and
teachers (governesses) lived in their
houses.
– Poor children and orphans ended up
in charity schools. Some of the schools
were very bad. The buildings were
uncomfortable, the discipline was very
strict. Children often didn’t have enough
food and teachers often beat them.
– There was no possibility for a girl
to become independent. Any kind of
disobedience was strictly punished.
– Governesses were supposed to
be conventional and live their lives in
self-denial. They had no right to express
their own opinions or realize their
dreams.
– In 1851, there were about 25,000
governesses in England.
Charlotte Brontë (1816 – 1855),
born into conservative, rigid,
stereotypical Victorian England, came
from a relatively poor background.
Her novel Jane Eyre (1847) is partly
biographical and shows some of the
ideas that she had. Beneath Charlotte’s
‘unpretending’ appearance lay the
secret of imagination, intelligence,
strong spirit and revolt against the
conventional rules of the society. She
was trying to challenge the traditional
perception of woman’s beauty. Jane
Eyre represents a type of a woman that
is more handsome than beautiful. On
the other hand, she is truthful, straight
and unpretentious.
I. CHILDHOOD
(Chapter 1, 0:00:35 – Chapter 3, 0:23:50)
Jane Eyre is an orphan. She is brought up
by her aunt, Mrs Reed. She is treated very
badly and doesn’t like Mrs Reed’s home.
Mrs Reed puts Jane in Mr Brocklehurst’s
orphans’ school where the conditions are
terrible. The discipline is very strict and some
teachers are cruel. Jane finds a friend in
Helen Burns. The girls become great friends
and share a lot of feelings. Unfortunately,
Helen Burns dies tragically of tuberculosis
due to the bad conditions at the school, the
teachers’ ignorance and neglect.
Glossary
Mrs. Reed’s home
(Chapter 1, 0:00:35 – 0:08:00)
to endure – to bear
wretched – extremely bad, unhappy
penniless – completely without money
wilful – continuing to do what you want,
even after you have been told to stop
obstinate – stubborn
wicked – behaving in a way which is morally
wrong
pit – hole in the ground
deceit – trickery
befitting – appropriate
humble – not proud or not believing that you
are important
vacations – holiday
sin – breaking God’s law
akin to – equal to
brimstone – sulphur
falsehood – lie
deceitful – cheating
School
(Chapter 1, 0:08:10 – Chapter 3, 0:25:00)
stool – chair with no back
The background
of the movie
TIME: 1830s
PLACE: North of England
CIRCUMSTANCES:
– Early in the 19th century there were
no cars, no trains. People travelled by
horse-drawn coaches.
thy (old English) – your
thee (old English) – you
vigorous – having a lot of energy, full of life
bonnet – small hat that used to cover girls’
hair
slovenly – lazy, careless
disagreeable – not pleasant
fetch me the birch (BrE) – bring me the
cane
slatternly – dirty, untidy
godliness – attributes associated with God
gift – talent
vanity – too much pride in yourself
in defiance of – against
suppressed – stopped
blessing – favour from God
bare (barefoot) – without shoes or clothes
quilt – warm blanket
I’ll tend to it – I’ll look after it
to grieve – to be very sad
have mercy – have kindness and
forgiveness
Discuss
1.Bonnets used to be worn to hold
hair together. It used to be against
the rules to let hair down freely.
Can you see any significance in
the fact that Helen takes off her
bonnet?
2.How do you find the conditions at
school? Do you think that students
today would be willing to study in
similar conditions?
Solution:
1. The girls weren’t allowed to take off their
bonnets. Helen did it because Jane asked her
to do so. Both girls wanted to show their longing
for freedom.
2. The conditions at school were very strict
and cruel. The girls were treated with no
understanding and love.
––
HANDOUT
Watch the scene (Chapter 2, 0:13:27 – 0:17:00) that shows Jane and
Helen in trouble because of their longing for a bit of freedom. Create
a script for the video by putting the following simplified sentences in
order according to the film and decide who is speaking: Jane Eyre,
Helen Burns or Mr Brocklehurst. The first sentence is done for you.
Example: 1. Helen: Who taught you to draw?

I used to look at books at my aunt Reed’s house
and then tried to copy the pictures.

Can I draw a portrait of you?

Who is that girl with red hair?

Take off your bonnet.

It is my fault, sir. I told her to take off the bonnet.

Burns, step forward.

You draw very well. You do. You have a gift.

You see this vanity? Long curled hair, masses of
red curls.
 Vanity must be suppressed.

The girls’ hair shall be cut off.

Fetch the scissors.
Solution:
1) Helen: Who taught you to draw?
2) Jane: I used to look at books at my
aunt Reed’s house and then tried to
copy the pictures.
3) Helen: You draw very well. You do.
You have a gift.
4) Jane: Can I draw a portrait of you?
5) Jane: Take off your bonnet.
6) Mr Brocklehurst: Who is that girl
with red hair?
7) Mr Brocklehurst: Burns, step
forward.
8)Mr Brocklehurst: You see this
vanity? Long curled hair, masses of
red curls.
9)Jane: It is my fault, sir. I told her to
take off the bonnet.
10)Mr Brocklehurst: Vanity must be
suppressed.
11)Mr Brocklehurst: The girls’ hair
shall be cut off.
12)Mr Brocklehurst: Fetch the
scissors.
II. JANE’S
ARRIVAL AT
THORNFIELD
(Chapter 3, 0:26:00 – Chapter 4, 0:35:40)
Jane leaves school and accepts a
position as a governess at Thornfield
Hall. She teaches Adele, the small girl
of the house. The house is big and
romantic. It slowly becomes Jane’s
new home. One day, walking in the
countryside, Jane meets Mr Rochester.
Glossary
ungrateful – not expressing thanks
for sth
to abandon – to leave
will – determination
situation – job, position
per annum – per year
references – written statements of
a person’s good qualities, which are
sent to a future employer, written by
someone who knows the person well
lass (used especially in Scotland and
the north of England) – girl, young
woman
tedious – boring
your hands must be numb with cold
– you must be unable to feel your hands
because of the cold
your charge – your responsibility
neglected – ignored
III: FIRE
(Chapter 6, 0:53:16 – 0:58:46)
Jane hears a strange laugh in the
house. She gets out of bed to find that
Mr Rochester’s room is on fire. She
manages to wake Mr Rochester up
and thus saves his life. Mr Rochester is
grateful and tries to make friends with
Jane. She is very shy and leaves for
her room.
Glossary
cloak – a loose outer piece of clothing
without sleeves which is worn instead
of a coat
not in that brief – not in that short time
dry fashion – cold manner
thorn – a small sharp pointed growth
on the stem of a plant
no obligation – no commitment
to behold – to see
to shiver – to shake slightly because
you feel cold, ill or frightened
put the flames out – extinguished the
flames
to bolt – to lock
to remedy – to cure
master – owner
content – satisfied, happy
solitary – lonely
gallery – a passage
barbarous – extremely cruel
to inherit – to receive money, a house,
etc. from someone after they have died
tenant – a person who pays rent for the
use of land or a building
he’s well travelled – he has travelled
a lot
in jest – intended as a joke and not
said seriously
in earnest – in a serious way
must be kept in readiness – must be
kept ready
rare – not very often
to mount your horse – to get on your
horse
bridle – a set of straps that are put
around a horse’s head to allow its rider
to control it
compels me – makes me
crop – a short stick used to control a
horse by hitting it
make haste home – hurry home
mademoiselle – French for “miss”,
used to address a young woman who is
not married
tenacious – determined to do sth and
unwilling to stop
to bewitch – to enchant
sprain – an injury to a joint in the body
by a sudden movement
I bid you – I wish you
to take great pains with – to make a
special effort
to be fond of – to like
I don’t approve – I don’t agree
singular about – of an unusual quality,
noticeable
the air of a nun – air of plainness and
propriety
quaint – attractively unusual and oldfashioned
grave – serious
to rap out – to say sth loudly and
suddenly
brusque – quick and rude in manner
or speech
plain – obvious and clear to understand
surliness – bad-tempered, unfriendly
and not polite mood
to enquire (AmE = inquire) – to ask for
information
utterly – completely
austere – harsh, stern
vicious – aggressively violent
tender – gentle
fortune knocked me about – I was
unlucky
flesh – human meat
abrupt – sudden and unexpected, and
often unpleasant
has to make allowances – has to take
their characteristics into consideration
and not judge them too severely
however I see fit – whatever I consider
correct
viscount – the title of a British man of
high social rank, between an earl and
a baron
in his feeble wing – in his week arms
to incur – to experience sth, usually
something unpleasant, as a result of
actions you have taken
Discuss
1.In the scene (Chapter 3,
0:31:00 – 0:31:38) Jane is
shown her new room. She
likes it very much. Why do
you think she is so pleasantly
surprised?
2.In the scene (Chapter 5,
0:40:47 – 0:42:38) Adele gets
a doll as a present. She is very
happy. Jane is once again shy.
Why do you think she is so
unfamiliar with this situation?
Solution:
1. Jane had never had such a big room with
so much light. When she lived in Lowood
School, about 20 or more girls usually
stayed in dark and not very big rooms.
2. When Jane was a small girl, she never
got any presents and therefore she has
no experience with presents.
HANDOUT
Watch the scene of the fire (Chapter 6, 0:53:16 – 0:58:46).
Imagine Jane would write a diary. Choose the correct tense
and rewrite the scene of the fire (put the pargraphs in order)
according to the video.
A) Mr Rochester was very grateful and
thanked/was thanking me a lot.
He wanted me to stay in his room. I felt
very shy and went/was going to my
bedroom.
B) I got up, opened/was opening the
door and I saw/was seeing a lot of
smoke. I ran to Mr Rochester’s room to
check what was happening.
C)We were both shocked and tried/were
trying to calm down in Mr Rochester’s
room. We both coughed very much
because we had breathed in a lot of smoke.
D)I was lying/lay in my bed and suddenly
I heard/was hearing a strange
noise. It came from upstairs. Somebody
was laughing/laughed there. It was
very scary.
E) Mr Rochester slept/was sleeping
in his bed unaware of the thick smoke. I
took a vase of flowers and quickly poured
the water over Mr. Rochester’s face.
He woke up/was waking up and
immediately helped me to put the fire out.
Solution:
D) I was lying in my bed and suddenly I heard a strange noise. It came from upstairs. Somebody was laughing there. It was
very scary.
B) I got up, opened the door and I saw a lot of smoke. I ran to Mr. Rochester’s room to check what was happening.
E) Mr Rochester was sleeping in his bed unaware of the thick smoke. I took a vase of flowers and quickly poured the water
over Mr Rochester’s face. He woke up and immediately helped me to put the fire out.
C) We were both shocked and tried to calm down in Mr Rochester’s room. We both coughed very much because we had
breathed in a lot of smoke.
A) Mr Rochester was very grateful and thanked me a lot. He wanted me to stay in his room. I felt very shy and went to my
bedroom.
––
IV. PARTY
(Chapter 7, 1:04:01 – 1:07:45)
Mr Rochester has a party in his house.
Jane is also invited. At the party she
happens to see Ms Blanche for the first
time. Jane is jealous of her beauty and
rank and she gets very shy and sad.
Glossary
maid – female servant
valet – male servant
he brought back a fortune
– he returned with a lot of money
V. THE PAST
(Chapter 7, 1:07:51 – Chapter 8, 1:18:50)
Thornfield receives a visitor – Mr Mason.
He is coming to visit Mr Rochester.
There is a mysterious incident in which
Mr Mason is injured. Jane gets a letter
that Mrs Reed is dying. She decides to
visit her dying aunt and forget about her
painful past. Mrs Reed reveals to Jane
that she still has an uncle who has been
looking for her for a long time. Jane
kindly forgives all the bad things which
Mrs Reed has done to her.
VI. BACK AT
THORNFIELD
(Chapter 8, 1:19:30 – Chapter 9, 1:25:35)
Jane returns to Thornfield. It is the first
time Mr Rochester expresses his love
for her. He proposes to Jane and she
agrees to marry him.
VII. THE WEDDING
(Chapter 9, 1:25:40 – Chapter 10,
1:35:52)
Jane is getting ready to marry. She
gets a little warning from Mrs Fairfax
but ignores her advice. The wedding
ceremony starts but suddenly all Jane’s
hopes and expectations are lost. Mr
Mason announces that Mr Rochester is
already married. Mr Rochester reveals
a secret about Bertha Mason, his mad
wife, living in the room on the top floor
at Thornfield.
VIII: JANE’S
ESCAPE
(Chapter 10, 1:34:06 – Chapter 12,
1:43:26)
Jane leaves Thornfield. Bertha Mason
commits suicide by jumping from the
top floor of the house. Mr Rochester
damages his eyes while extinguishing
puppet – a term used for a person
whose actions are controlled by sb else
ward – a person, especially a child,
who is legally put under the protection
of a court of law or a guardian
to take charge of – to adopt
at first glance – at first look
plain – simple, common
tremble with rage – shake with anger
idle – not working, lazy
pale – very white
clumsy – not elegant, opposite of
graceful
Discuss 1
Discuss 2
Solution:
When Jane sees her face in the mirror,
she sees herself as unattractive. Also, she
thinks about her position – that she is only a
governess and will never wear nice clothes
and be noble.
Solution:
That lady wants to say that governesses can
be recognized at first sight. They look all the
same – in dark clothes – like nuns.
Glossary
farewell – old-fashioned or formal
‘goodbye’
I’m not quite up to it – I don’t feel able
to do it
is anxious to see you – wants to see
you very much
I was breaking the promise – I didn’t
fulfil my promise
writing case – a case for pens and
paper
to bequeath – to leave money or
property to others after your death
to my torment – to my suffering
vindictive – unwilling to forgive
Discuss
inwardly – inside
sensible – wise, practical
to trample – to act without any respect
for sb or sth
to exclude – to keep out
clawing at the cage – fighting to get out
unearthly – supernatural
flesh – in this context “life”
Discuss
parson – parish priest (in the Church of
England )
impediment – sb or sth that slows or
stops the progress
is now in my possession – I have it
now
produce him – bring him
snappish – irritable
violent – extremely aggressive
lunacy – madness
a suitable match one that would
prop up – an appropriate marriage to
support, help
dwindling – decreasing
grave – very serious
Discuss
IX. THE END
Glossary
tapestry – a piece of cloth whose
pattern or picture is created by sewing
or weaving different coloured threads
to dress the wound – to put a bandage
on his injury
she’d drain my heart – she’d make me
bleed to death
have pity on – take mercy on
ace of spades – the most valuable
card, trump
7 card whist – card game
I want leave of absence – I need to
leave for some time
she cast me off – she got rid of me
Glossary
acuteness – intelligence
you hit the nail straight on the head
– you are exactly right
to suit – to be convenient
a long way off – very far away
to object to sth – to oppose sth
tightly knotted to – firmly tied to
to snap – to break
Glossary
acquainted with – knowing or being
familiar with a person
fondness – liking
for your sake – because it is good for
you
to put you on your guard – to warn
you
all is not gold that glitters – not
everything that looks perfect is of good
quality
sincere affection – real honest liking
in this station – in this position (in
society)
to harness – to put a harness (= straps
and fastenings) on horses and connect
them to a vehicle
a fire at Thornfield. Jane returns to
Lowood and is looked after by a priest
and his sister. She finds out that she has
inherited a great fortune from her uncle.
Glossary
to harm – to hurt
on your behalf – in your name
to render (old English) – to make, to
cause
Watch the scene when Jane
looks into the mirror (Chapter 7,
1:01:08 – 1:01:23). What is Jane
thinking of when she sees her
own reflection in the mirror?
Does she find herself attractive?
Why is she so frustrated?
(Chapter 12, 1:43:27 – 1:48:25)
Jane returns to Thornfield. She
declares her love to Mr Rochester and
they finally get married and find their
happiness.
––
In the scene (Chapter 7,
1:05:10 – 1:05:54) some ladies
gossip about governesses. They
are very critical. One lady says:
“You can tell a governess at first
glance...” What does she mean
by this?
1. In the scene (Chapter 8,
1:10:00 – 1:12:24) Jane helps
Mr Rochester treat Mr Mason.
What good qualities of Jane’s
character can you see?
Solution:
Jane doesn’t hesitate and helps
Mr Rochester to take care of the injured
Mr Mason. She is kind, brave, and unselfish.
She is not scared.
In this scene (Chapter 8,
1:20:31 – 1:25:35) Jane shows
some true feelings for the first
time. Why did she take so long to
express herself?
Solution:
Jane was shy and she didn’t dare to reveal
her feelings openly. Also, as she worked as
a governess, she didn’t expect Mr Rochester
to talk to her as an equal person.
In this scene (Chapter 9, 1:25:40
– 1:27:18) Mrs Fairfax mentions
that all is not gold that glitters.
Can you explain this old English
saying in relation to the film?
Solution:
Mrs Fairfax tries to explain to Jane that
Mr Rochester may not be a perfect match as
he seems to be. She tries to warn Jane not
to marry him.
to burst – to explode
delusion – false belief
her very fingers – her own hands
(used to emphasize that sth belongs
to sb)
to vanish – to disappear
decayed – damaged
beloved – very much loved
Extra activites
HANDOUT
The following activities are not directly connected with the movie
and can be used independently.
HANDOUT
Here is a short biography of Charlotte Brontë. Divide the students into pairs and give each
student one version of the biography. Students have to find out missing information by asking
questions without seeing each others’ version of the biography.
Biography of Charlotte Brontë
Student A:
Charlotte Brontë was born on (when?) ........... She lived in Yorkshire
in the North of England. Her father was a (what?) ........... by
profession and worked in the church. Charlotte had (how many?)
........... sisters and one brother. She was not particularly pretty
and her appearance was not striking. On the other hand, she was
clever and had a strong character. In 1824, all four sisters went to
school at (where?) ........... It was a bad school and many children
became sick due to the terrible conditions. In 1831, two of Charlotte’s
sisters died. In 1831, Charlotte was 15 years old and she went to
school at Roe Head. Later, she became a (what?) ........... at this
school. Charlotte and her brother and sisters all wrote stories and
drew pictures. They also wrote poetry. Branwell, Charlotte’s brother,
wanted to become an artist but drank too much alcohol and took
(what?) ........... The Brontë sisters sent stories to a publisher. Their
books were written under a pseudonym and became very successful.
Charlotte’s books are called (what?) .......... She became famous
and went to London to meet (who?) .......... She got married but
died a year later in 1855. She was (how old?) .......... years old.
Student B:
Charlotte Brontë was born on 21st April 1816. She lived in (where?)
........... in the North of England. Her father was a clergyman by
profession and worked in the (where?) ........... Charlotte had four
sisters and one brother. She was (what... look…like?) .......... and
her appearance was not striking. On the other hand, she was clever
and had a strong character. In 1824, all four sisters went to school at
Cowan Bridge. It was a bad school and many children became sick
(why?) ........... In 1831, two of Charlotte’s sisters died. In 1831,
Charlotte was 15 years old and she went to school at Roe Head. Later,
she became a teacher at this school. Charlotte and her brother and
sisters all wrote (what ?) ........... and drew pictures. They also wrote
poetry. Branwell, Charlotte’s brother, wanted to become an artist but
drank too much alcohol and took drugs. The Brontë sisters sent stories
to a (whom?) .......... Their books were written under a pseudonym
and became very successful. Charlotte’s books are called Jane Eyre,
Villette and Shirley. She became famous and went to (where?)
........... to meet poets, artists and writers. She got married but died a
year later in (when?) ........... She was 38 years old.
Solution:
Student A: 21st April 1816; clergyman; four,
Cowan Bridge; teacher; drugs; Jane Eyre, Villette,
Shirley; poets, artists and writers; 38
Student B: Yorkshire; church; not particularly
pretty; due to the bad conditions at school;
stories; publisher; London; 1855
––
Here are some adjectives that can be associated with different
characters in the film. Connect the adjectives with the right characters.
There might be more than one solution.
shy
kind
truthful
honest
talented
reserved
cold
unfeeling
nasty
rich
artistic
playful
Mr Rochester
Adele
Jane Eyre
Solution:
Jane Eyre – shy, kind, truthful, honest,
caring, wise, artistic
Mr Rochester – rich, experienced, wise,
caring
Mrs Fairfax – caring, plain, kind
innocent
plain
caring
wise
experienced
cheerful
unjust
dull
snobbish
self-centred
calculating
strict
Mrs Fairfax
Ms Blanche
Mrs Reed
Adele – talented, playful, innocent,
cheerful
Mr Blanche – snobbish, self-centered,
calculating, dull, rich, cold, reserved
Mrs Reed – strict, cold, nasty,
unfeeling, unjust
HANDOUT
This is a little summary of the film. Ask students to
write a question for each answer.
1)…………………………………...…………………..
No, she had only two cousins whose names were
John and Elizabeth Reed.
2)…………………………………...………………….
Her aunt was very strict and didn’t like Jane.
3)…………………………………...………………….
Its name was Lowood School.
4)…………………………………...………………….
Yes, she had a friend called Helen Burns.
5)…………………………………...………………….
No, Helen didn’t live long. She died of tuberculosis.
6)…………………………………...………………….
After Jane left the school, she became a
governess at Thornfield Hall.
7)…………………………………...………………….
They first met when Mr Rochester had an
accident and fell off his horse.
8)…………………………………...………………….
No, she didn’t marry him because Mr Rochester
was already married.
9)…………………………………...………………….
Yes, she left Thornfield Hall.
10)…………………………………...………………….
In the end, Jane returned to Thornfield Hall and
they lived together with Mr Rochester very happily.
Solution:
1) Did Jane Eyre have any brothers or
sisters?
2) What was her aunt, Mrs Reed, like?
3) What was the name of the school
Jane went to?
4) Did Jane have any friends?
5) Did Jane and Helen grow up
together?/ Did Helen live for long?
6)What did Jane do after she left
Lowood School?
7)When did she first meet
Mr Rochester? / When did they first
meet?
8)Did Jane marry Mr Rochester?
9)Did Jane leave Thornfield Hall?
10)What happened at the end? / How
did the movie finish?