In June and July 2021, the chosen book for The Silver Petticoat Book Club, picked by Amber and Autumn, was the classic Gothic Romance novel, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë.
This timeless story follows Jane Eyre, an orphan, and her intriguing love story with the brooding Mr. Edward Rochester. Blending elements of a coming-of-age story, romance, and Gothic mystery, Jane Eyre remains a masterpiece filled with suspense, tragedy, love, friendship, and redemption. It’s a must-read that everyone should experience at least once.
More than 150 years after its publication, Jane Eyre continues to stir debate and controversy, promising some fantastic discussions.
With July here, it’s time to dive into our Jane Eyre discussions. To simplify things, we’ve provided printable discussion questions for your use.
Feel free to use the questions below to spark discussions with your friends and family. You can even start your chapter of The Silver Petticoat Book Club! Additionally, you can join the conversation online on Facebook, Instagram, or Goodreads during the final week of July. Follow us on social media for quotes from the novel, readers’ insights, and hints about our next book club selection, which we’ll announce on August 1st, 2021 (Update: September 1, 2021).
We hope you enjoyed reading Jane Eyre and will join us for our next book club pick, which will feature a newer book.
Without further ado, here are the discussion questions for Jane Eyre.
Jane Eyre Discussion Questions (Spoilers Ahead!)
“Jane Eyre” Discussion Questions:
1. Did you enjoy Jane Eyre? Was this your first time reading this Gothic classic?
2. If this was a reread, did you discover anything new? What stood out to you this time?
3. What was your favorite part of the book? Your least favorite?
4. Do you have any favorite quotes, chapters, or passages? Share them!
5. Why do you think Charlotte Brontë titled the novel Jane Eyre?
6. Charlotte Brontë initially published the book under the pseudonym Currer Bell. Why do you think she did this? Was it to attract a broader audience with a masculine name, ensure privacy, or both?
7. Jane Eyre combines Romantic and Gothic elements, becoming one of the greatest love stories ever. How did Brontë blend these genres? What Gothic and Romantic elements did you notice, and did you enjoy the combination?
8. What elements of Romanticism caught your eye in the book?
9. Jane Eyre introduced themes of female individuality, feminism, equality between sexes, classism, and religious hypocrisy. What examples support these ideas?
10. Which universal themes stood out to you?
11. Brontë narrates Jane Eyre as a first-person story told by an older Jane. Did you like this narrative style? Did it make you feel more connected to Jane?
12. The book has fairy tale elements, particularly Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella. Do you see these parallels? Do you agree that Jane Eyre is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast?
13. How does the first chapter set the tone? Did it keep you interested?
14. Did Jane’s childhood abuse make you empathize with her more?
15. What were your thoughts on the sections at Gateshead and Lowood School? Knowing Lowood was based on a real school where Brontë’s sisters died, how does this affect your view of Helen Burns and Mr. Brocklehurst?
16. How did you perceive Jane’s first encounter with Mr. Rochester?
17. Did you enjoy the conversations between Jane and Rochester?
18. What role did the character Blanche Ingram play? Did Rochester use her to make Jane jealous?
19. When do you think Jane and Rochester fell in love with each other?
20. What did you think of the proposal scene and Jane’s passionate speech? What might the lightning or tree symbolize?
21. Compare the romance between Jane and Rochester with that of St. John and Rosamond.
22. What was your favorite romantic moment in the book?
23. What role do the Reeds play? Should Jane forgive Mrs. Reed and her children?
24. How did you feel about Jane becoming an heiress? Did you enjoy the section with St. John and his sisters, and were you happy Jane found a loving family?
25. What was your reaction to St. John’s proposal? How do St. John and Rochester compare? Did Jane make the right choice in turning St. John down, and why?
26. There’s a supernatural element when Rochester calls for Jane across a distance and she hears him. Did you find this romantic, showing a deep soul connection?
27. Who were your favorite and least favorite characters?
28. How did you find Jane as a protagonist? Was she relatable and likable? How does her faith play a role in her character and her individuality?
29. Why do you think Charlotte Brontë felt readers misunderstood Jane? What flaws does Brontë highlight in Jane?
30. How did Rochester’s character come across to you? Was he “ugly” or rugged? Did you find his moodiness attractive or off-putting?
31. Why is Edward Rochester considered a Byronic Hero rather than a Romantic Hero?
32. How does Jane evolve throughout the story?
33. How does Edward Rochester change, and is he worthy of redemption?
34. Were there any surprising plot points? Were you surprised by Bertha’s reveal if you hadn’t read or watched any adaptations before? What did you think the secret might be?
35. Do you agree with Jane’s decision to leave Rochester after discovering Bertha? Would you have done something different?
36. What comparisons can you make between Bertha Mason and Jane Eyre? Did Bertha’s madness stem from genetics, or was it due to mistreatment?
37. How did you feel about the ending for Mr. Rochester and Jane? Were you pleased they ended up together? What changes did Mr. Rochester need to undergo first?
38. Have you watched any Jane Eyre adaptations? Which is your favorite, and why? Favorite portrayals of Jane and Rochester?
39. Why do you think Jane Eyre remains popular today?
40. Would you recommend this book to others? Would you read more of Charlotte Brontë’s works?
Feel free to discuss these questions with friends and family or start your own chapter of The Silver Petticoat Book Club! You can download the questions, add your own, and make your book club experience as entertaining and social as possible.
