Jane Eyre 1: First Impressions

Resource for Grades 9-12
| Citation

WGBH: Masterpiece
Jane Eyre: First Impressions

Media Type:
Video

Running Time: 2m 14s
Size: 8.3 MB


Source: MASTERPIECE: "Jane Eyre"

This media asset was excerpted from MASTERPIECE: "Jane Eyre."

Resource Produced by:

WGBH Educational Foundation

Collection Developed by:

WGBH Educational Foundation

Collection Credits

Collection Funded by:

Viking River Cruises

MASTERPIECE is funded by Viking River Cruises, with additional support from public television viewers, and contributors to The Masterpiece Trust, created to help ensure the series’ future.

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In this video segment from the 2007 MASTERPIECE adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre, we get a glimpse of Jane's remarkable ability to stand up for herself and against injustice. Her aunt, Mrs. Reed, summons Jane and tells her, "You have deliberately made it impossible for me to love you." Despite her aunt's fury, Jane responds quite calmly, "You have not tried very hard…and on the day you die, God will know who's telling the truth, whatever you or I say now." Exasperated, her aunt decides to send Jane away to boarding school, run by the heartless Mr. Brocklehurst. During her interview with Mr. Brocklehurst, Jane proves herself to be not only courageous, but clever as well. When asked what she must do to avoid going to hell—the fate of "disobedient, deceitful girls"” when they die—Jane replies, spiritedly, "I must take care to keep in good health and not to fall ill, sir." Mr. Brocklehurst is appalled at her impudence. He asks her again if she is a "deceitful girl." Jane insists, "I am not a liar."

Supplemental Media Available:

Charlotte Brontë: Biography (Document)

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë: Chapter IV (Document)

Accessibility Features: Caption

open Background Essay

Jane Eyre has remained one of the most popular novels in English literature. An instant success, it has been in print constantly since its publication in 1847. Although some 19th century critics criticized Jane—shocked by her outspoken opinions, her disregard for class hierarchy, and her independence—audiences through the years have embraced her wholeheartedly. In her essay, "The Continuing Appeal of Jane Eyre,” Virginia Woolf wrote, “As we open Jane Eyre once more, we cannot stifle the suspicion that we shall find her world of imagination as antiquated, mid-Victorian, and out of date as the parsonage on the moor….So we open Jane Eyre and in two pages every doubt is swept clean from our minds.”

In addition to the beauty of Charlotte Brontë’s prose, her masterful combination of mystery and romance, and her keen eye for setting, it is Jane herself who is responsible for the legion of fans. She was an unusual heroine at the time, neither pretty nor rich nor sweet-natured. And yet it is precisely because she is poor, plain, and defiant that we cheer her on. From the very first time we meet her, we see her bullied by her nasty cousin John, unjustly accused, rejected, and unloved by all. Our sympathies are immediately engaged. We also learn that she has a habit of “taking up her elders” (speaking “truth to power” in modern parlance) and has a passionate commitment to being honest. Her courage inspires us, and we delight in her ability to challenge those who treat her badly.

Just as in the book, the filmmakers capture Jane’s irrepressible spirit early on. We immediately know that she is an outsider, that those around her treat her cruelly, and that she refuses to be a victim of her circumstances. When Mrs. Reed tries to blame Jane for being unlovable, Jane calmly refutes her. “You have not tried very hard [to love me],” she says, and then has the audacity to tell her aunt, “…God will know who is telling the truth, whatever you or I say now.” To emphasize Jane’s innocence, we see the latter part of the scene almost entirely from Jane’s perspective, with the adult characters at a threatening and dominating angle. This scene is a pivotal one. It not only propels the story forward, it reveals Jane’s quick thinking, intelligence, even a sly sense of humor. We know she will not mend her ways at Lowood School, but we are on her side all the way. Jane Eyre may be full of the trappings of an earlier era, but it is Jane’s personality and perseverance that has kept her story fresh and compelling for each generation.

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open Teaching Tips

Since its publication in 1847, Jane Eyre has never been out of print. Its heroine—plain but fiercely intelligent, mistreated but outspoken—is one of the most enduring characters in classic English literature. This segment helps us understand that even as a small child, Jane is an appealing character. Despite the hardships and humiliations she endures, she is quick, smart, honest, and self-confident. Although Charlotte Brontë grew up within the limits of Victorian society, she was able to create a character that students can relate to today.

Before watching the video:

  • Define and discuss some basic film terminology with students, such as long shot, close-up, and high camera angle.
  • Have students develop background knowledge by reading Charlotte Brontë: Biography (PDF). You may want them to do additional research to find out more about the author and how she came to write Jane Eyre. Have students share with the class what they have learned about Charlotte's childhood.
  • Ask students, "What does knowing about the author’s life add to your understanding of the story and the characters? What are the disadvantages of knowing this information as you read the story?"
  • Explain that Jane Eyre has never been out of print since its publication in 1847. As students begin their study of the book and the film, ask them to think about why the book has remained so popular.

While watching the video:

  • Ask students to make notes about how the filmmakers have chosen to interpret this scene. Have them consider camera angles, lighting, casting, costumes, and so on.
  • Have students think about what might happen next in the story.

After watching the video:

  • Have students read the selection from Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë: Chapter IV (PDF) and compare and contrast it with the video interpretation. Create a Venn diagram as you discuss the transformation from page to screen.
  • Have students refer to the notes they made while watching the video. Ask them to share which techniques they noticed. Add to the list as needed. Ask students, "Whose viewpoint is shown in the film? How do we recognize that? What, if anything, would you have done differently in this scene?"
  • Filmmakers must make choices when they adapt a novel into a film. They aren't usually able to include every scene, character, or conversation. Ask students, "Why do you think the filmmakers kept this scene in the film? Why is it important?"
  • Discuss the character of Jane. Ask, "What do we already know about her from this scene?" From what students have read thus far, and from watching this segment, what words would they use to describe Jane? Do they like her? Why or why not?
  • Modern books and movies are full of sassy and outspoken heroines. Invite the class to create a list of some of their favorites. Explore what they have in common. Ask, "How might Jane have been a precursor to these characters?"

For more about how MASTERPIECE can help you use film in the classroom, see the MASTERPIECE Teacher’s Guides where you will find the guide, Film in the Classroom, Revised. You might also want to use the resources available in the Jane Eyre Book & Film Club.

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