October 16, 1847

1. The Victorian Times ILLUSTRATED WEEKLY NEWSPAPER October 16, 1847 Price 6d Est. 1840 By: Pallavi Dev Judy Tran Hannah Reagan Alix Vinson Johnathan Pham

2. Create a Victorian newspaper for the book. Include an editorial, fashion page, advice column, news stories like the burning of Thornfield hall, society page with recent social events, etc. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa., aliquet nec, vulputate eget, arcu. Etiam ultricies nisi vel augue. Curabitur ullamcorper ultricies nisi. Nam eget dui. Etiam aliquet nec, vulputate eget, arcu. Etiam ultricies nisi vel augue. Curabitur ullamcorper ultricies nisi. Nam eget dui. Etiam rhoncus. Donec vitae sapien ut libero venenatis faucibus. Etiam rhoncus. Donec vitae sapien ut libero venenatis faucibus. venenatis faucibus. Donec quam felis, ultricies nec, pellentesque eu, pretium quis, sem. Nulla consequat massa quis enim. Donec pede justo, fringilla vel, aliquet nec, vulputate eget, arcu. Etiam ultricies nisi vel augue. Curabitur ullamcorper ultricies nisi. aliquet nec, vulputate eget, arcu. • The novel, Jane Eyre was set in nineteenth century Victorian England with the Romantic Period being the sound of the century. • Religion • Social Status • Feminism

3. How is it relevant to Jane Eyre? Religion • Jane searches, questions, and undermines Evangelical Protestants. “’By dying young, I shall escape great sufferings. I had not qualities or talents to make my way very well in the world: I should have been continually at fault.’ ‘But where are you going to, Helen? Can you see? Do you know?’ ‘I believe; I have faith: I am going to God.’ ‘Where is God? What is God?’ ‘My Maker and yours, who will never destroy what he created. I rely implicitly on his power, and confide wholly in his goodness: I count the hours till that eventful one arrives which shall restore me to him, reveal him to me.’ ‘You are sure, then, Helen, that there is such a place as heaven; and that our souls can get to it when die?’” (Bronte 84). • Victorian England is a deeply religious country, the weaken effects of the Enlightenment and rise of Darwinism led many individuals to doubt. • The constant upheaval for the idolatry in the Church of England made it hard for Catholics to practice their religion freely, so Eliza has to “set out for the Continent. [and live] in a religious house near Lisle — a nunnery” in France (Bronte 259).

4. How is it relevant to Jane Eyre? social • Newly reforming from the old hierarchy • Jane’s education at Lowood enabled her to be labeled at ‘cultured’ and her inheritance of “five thousand pounds” gave her a chance of social mobility (Bronte 415). • Jane's class and gender status perhaps limits her relationship with Rochester. • Single, middle-class woman (domestic) • Occupation: governess (a little degrading), but she was employing (sign of culture) • Jane had the social level of the family, but was paid at a salary at the same economic level of the servants

5. How is it relevant to Jane Eyre? FEMINISM • No political, legal, educational, or intellectual equality between the sexes. Only romance. • Ideology - distinct separate spheres between male and female. “My hopes were all dead — struck with a subtle doom, such as, in one night, fell on all the firstborn in the land of Egypt. I looked on my cherished wishes, yesterday so blooming and glowing; They lay stark, chill, livid, corpses, they could never revive. I looked at my love: that feeling which was my master's — which he had created; it shivered in my heart, like a suffering child in a cold cradle” (Bronte 319). • Jane suffers physically her emotional pain "a hand of fiery iron grasped my vitals.“ "I do love you," says Jane to Rochester "more than ever, but I must not show it or indulge the feeling: and this is the last time I must ever express it.“ (Bronte 327). • Jane displayed a strength of character when she left Mr. Rochester to be “independent” rather than staying and be a mistress (degrading). Her self respect and inheritance enabled her to become “[her] own mistress”, rather than following the typical norm (Bronte 473).

6. Breaking News! Local Fire and Suicide! • Last week a house fire, the source yet to be found, destroyed the entire Thornfield residence. According to local witnesses, the house was “a dreadful calamity! Such an immense quantity of valuable property destroyed; hardly any of the furniture could be saved. The fire broke out at dead of night” (Bronte 463). Unfortunately, there was one casualty and one severely injured. Poor Mr. Rochester, the owner of the house, in the heroic act of saving his maids, lost sight in both of his eyes and also lost one of his hands. For certain, the astonishing occurrence will affect him for the rest of his life. Also that night, a woman was seen jumping from the roof of the house. The suicide victim has been identified as Mr. Rochester own wife, rumored to have turned insane and was locked away in Thornfield Hall for several years. Another rumor has spread throughout the town about the cause of the fire. Most people agree that Mrs. Rochester is to blame. Apparently, “when Mrs. Poole [the servant that looked after Mrs. Rochester] was fast asleep after the gin and water, the mad lady, who was as cunning as a witch, would take the keys out of her pocket, let herself out of her chamber, and go roaming about the house, doing any wild mischief that came into her head…[and] on this night, she set fire first to the hangings of the room next to her own” (465). The horrific event has yet to be further invested, but keep in touch for more details.

7. Here’s to you, Mr. Rochester. Commodo et ligula egetdolor. Aenean massa.Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Donec quam felis, ultricies nec, pellentesque eu, pretium quis, sem. Nulla consequat massa quis enim. Donec pede justo, fringilla vel, aliquet nec, vulputate eget, arcu. Etiam ultricies nisi vel augue. Curabitur ullamcorper ultricies nisi. aliquet nec, vulputate eget, arcu. Etiam ultricies nisi vel augue. Curabitur ullamcorper ultricies nisi. Nam eget dui. Etiam rhoncus. Donec vitae sapien ut libero venenatis faucibus. Nullam quis ante. Sed fringilla mauris sit amet nibh. Donec sodales sagittis magna. Sed consequat, leo eget bibendum sodales, augue velit cursus nunc. Donec vitae sapien ut libero venenatis faucibus. Nullam quis ante. Before Jane had been given the chance to said the big yes to one of the most “eligible bachelors” in Thornfield, an objection was heard. Lawyer, Mr. Briggs publically read Mr. Mason’s statement that on October 20th, Edward Rochester and Bertha Mason was tied by marriage on the island of Jamaica. Thus, leaving Rochester with a “strong convulsive quiver” on the altar. Mr. Rochester’s decision to commit bigamy over a decade after his marriage to mistress Jane Eyre brings shame on his image (Bronte 332). Now that the Big Cat is out of the bag, and the infidelity scandal trigged by the hidden marriage just gets worse and worse, it looks like the Rochester Scandal is only just unfolding. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa., Dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis aliquet nec, vulputate eget, arcu. Etiam ultricies nisi vel augue. Curabitur ullamcorper ultricies nisi. Nam eget dui. Etiam rhoncus. Donec vitae sapien ut libero venenatis faucibus. aliquet nec, vulputate eget, arcu. Etiam ultricies nisi vel augue. Curabitur ullamcorper ultricies nisi. Nam eget dui. Etiam rhoncus. Donec vitae sapien ut libero venenatis faucibus.

8. Lowood Institution: Charity School or Juvenile Prison? • Lowood isn’t easy to find. Fifty miles from Gateshead, it’s a gloomy group of houses deep within a wooded valley. Enter inside, and you’ll see a large number of young girls (all orphans) in drab clothing. Upon first glance, they appear simply obedient, but pay attention and you’ll see that they are overcome with fear of punishment and public humiliation by their teachers. They follow a strict schedule of study of the Bible and other subjects from morning to night. If the girls begin to chatter, they are reprimanded with a strict “Silence!” or “Order!” If you had any hope that the food provided was somewhat palatable, it would quickly be dashed. The breakfast porridge is usually burnt, and the oatcake or bread stale. Even worse, little attempt is made to provide warmth to the girls in the winter. Jane Eyre, a new student at Lowood commented, “This morning we were obliged to dispense with the ceremony of washing: the water in the pitchers was frozen.” Jane continued to recount an incident that occurred the same day. A classmate of hers, Helen Burns, was called “dirty” and “disagreeable” because she was unable to clean her nails with the frozen water. Continue story on page 5.

9. The poor living conditions of this institution are further emphasized by the outbreak of typhus that has infected over half of the girls at Lowood, some of who have not survived. The supervisor of the school is Mr. Brocklehurst, who refused to give a specific quote for this article. However, he was overheard giving instructions to teachers on how to punish one of the girls, saying, “You must be on your guard against her; you must shun her example – if necessary, avoid her company, exclude her from sports, and shut her out from your converse.” If you ask us, this is definitely no way to practice discipline, or run a school. However, there is one ray of hope in the otherwise dismal boarding school, and that is Miss Temple, the superintendent, who treats the students with kindness. Nevertheless, Lowood Institution is still a desolate place with many cruel teachers and supervisors. A few words of advice for enrolled students: take the first opportunity to leave when you get it. -Pallavi Dev

10. Connection to Jane Eyre: • Jane’s hope for a better life at the Lowood Institution was hindered by the living conditions she was forced to endure. However, Jane’s time there was a significant part of her life because she developed an important friendship with Helen Burns, who influenced her even after she left the school. An important moment from the novel is when Helen dies: “’But where are you going to, Helen? Can you see? Do you know?’ ‘I believe; I have faith: I am going to God’” (Bronte 74). Helen’s innocence and religious obedience serves to restore Jane’s faith in religion, even when other characters such as Mr. Brocklehurst and St. John Rivers use religion to control the people around them. Helen also teaches Jane to make the best of a situation and find happiness in it.

11. Advice Column FASHION COLUMN Victorian Couture With the newest invention of sewing machines, fashion is becoming more and more iconic. The corsets are getting tighter and the dresses are getting bigger. The perfect way to embrace the new fashion culture of the Victorian age is to invest in the biggest trend of the times: a crinoline skirt. The once bulbous and unpractical dress expander now comes with a flattened front and a dramatic bulge towards the back, making any woman’s silhouette look flattering and glamorous. Another way to achieve the look of the actresses seen in many operas and performances of the times is a more costume-like attire. Don’t be afraid to embrace brighter colors and to expose the underskirt of your dresses, for these are trends seen often on those of high social class and wealth. Modern fashion is changing every minute and you shouldn’t be afraid to dress yourself in the newest couture design. Be bold at all social events and balls and remember to embrace the works of Charles Worth and other esteemed designers. Costume c Recently a young lady by the name of Jane asked me whether she should choose a man who gave her independence or a man who would give her love. Now that is quite a choice for you ladies out there reading this. A woman given a chance of independence in our society is unheard of. Being able to take your dreams and turn them into reality and never straying from your own morals seems like the ideal choice. But girls, that man ain’t going to love you for you. You are going to be able to do what you want but there will always be an emptiness in your heart. So I am going to say choose love. Love is more important than money, status, or any product you can buy. Love is the strength of the heart, it what people search for their whole lives for but can sometimes never find it. If you have the chance to get it, you have to seize it. Because at the end of the day, when you are with the one you love, none of that stuff matters, it is just you and him. The world becomes so much smaller, so much warmer, so much more joyful. Everyday will seem like a new day and while you may lose your chance for true independence, depending on the one you love is not so bad either.

12. Significant moment Gateswood • After spending all of her life as the unwanted child in the Reed family, Jane Eyre is finally accepted into a school for girls in Lowood. Jane discovered the news with excitement as Mr. Brocklehurst said, “I shall send Miss Temple notice that she is to expect a new girl, so that there will be no difficulty about receiving her. Good-bye” (Bronte 32). It is in this moment that Jane’s life drastically changes. Leaving a life of mistreatment and sadness, Jane moves towards opportunity and her optimism for Lowood couldn’t be greater. • “ ‘You have no business taking out books; you are a dependent, mamma says; you have no money; your father left you none; you ought to beg, and not to live here with gentlemen’s children like us’ ” (Bronte 5) • “I had risen half an hour before her entrance… few children can eat when excited with thoughts of a journey; nor could I” (Bronte 38)

13. Significant Moment: Thornfield and Moorshead. • “I was experiencing an ordeal: a hand of fiery iron grasped my vitals. Terrible moment: full of struggle, blackness, burning my vitals! Not a human being that ever lived could wish to be loved better than I was loved; and him who thus loved me I absolutely worshipped: and I must renounce love and idol. One drear word comprised my intolerable duty --- “Depart!”” • After she finds out that her fiancé is already married to Bertha, Jane’s decision to leave Rochester emphasizes her dignity and independence which is a character trait seen frequently in Jane throughout the novel. Although she loved Rochester, she knew that being his mistress would only lower her social status even more, and she made the decision to leave Thornfield and take care of herself. This quote clearly displays the pain and sorrow she went through to renounce the one man she ever loved, but how she values her morals and independence more than anything. When Jane is taken in by the Rivers and inherits her fortune, Bronte demonstrates how although she endured so much alienation and pain in her life, she still managed to come out successfully in the end. Jane was strong enough to overcome her social class and ended up finding not only fortune, but a family at Moorshead. This emphasizes on Bronte’s major theme throughout the novel: women’s rights and empowerment, something that was heavily debated in the Victorian age. Her ultimate goal was to explain how women could take care of themselves and become successful without a man, regardless of their social class and past. She especially emphasizes on the strength and resilience Jane had throughout the entire novel.

15. Work Cited • http://www.google.com/imgres?newwindow=1&client=firefox-a&hs=CVM&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&tbm=isch&tbnid=Dw5ACQKfmy7XtM:&imgrefurl=http://www.plumstead-stories.com/photos%2520-%2520early%2520Lakedale.htm&docid=t2Gciet49aA0MM&imgurl=http://www.plumstead-stories.com/Photos/1877aa%252520Schools%252520Lakedale%252520Rd.jpg&w=2048&h=1291&ei=Z32NUr2wMcWSqwG304GYBA&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:15,s:0,i:126&iact=rc&page=2&tbnh=178&tbnw=283&start=15&ndsp=20&tx=120&ty=47&biw=1366&bih=638 • http://www.google.com/imgres?newwindow=1&client=firefox-a&hs=Kni&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&tbm=isch&tbnid=By3e734JDtOoGM:&imgrefurl=http://keir-reviews.tumblr.com/post/48408765413/how-to-roleplay-in-the-victorian-era&docid=f9E38yOyG81xXM&imgurl=http://24.media.tumblr.com/55418753a862d3ad27409f434abb5fba/tumblr_mks20hxoKe1s19lnno1_r1_500.jpg&w=500&h=366&ei=IsyOUrK-DtPnkAfsjIEY&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:39,s:0,i:216&iact=rc&page=2&tbnh=169&tbnw=207&start=13&ndsp=31&tx=119&ty=47&biw=1366&bih=638 • http://janeeyreillustrated.com/Jane_Eyre_intro.htm • http://lilmissmanga.deviantart.com/gallery/7405843 • http://www.english.uwosh.edu/roth/VictorianEngland.htm