Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Subject: Literature (English Literature, Bildungsroman)

Grade Level: 11-12 (Note: The novel's complexity and mature themes make it appropriate for more mature students)

Time Allotment: 6-8 weeks (This can be adjusted based on class time and desired depth of study)

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will analyze the concept of a Bildungsroman and how "Jane Eyre" exemplifies this coming-of-age story.
  • Students will understand the Victorian social context, focusing on class, gender roles, and societal expectations.
  • Students will identify and interpret key characters like Jane Eyre, Mr. Rochester, and Mrs. Reed, analyzing their motivations and relationships.
  • Students will develop close reading skills and analyze literary devices like symbolism, foreshadowing, and gothic elements.
  • Students will participate in class discussions, debates, and writing assignments that explore the novel's themes and enduring relevance.

Materials:

  • Copies of "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë (annotated version recommended)
  • Whiteboard or projector
  • Markers or pens
  • Handouts for activities and assignments (character charts, Victorian society timeline, symbolism analysis worksheets, discussion questions, essay prompts)
  • Access to online resources on Victorian England (optional)

Lesson Procedures:

Week 1-2: Introduction and Bildungsroman

  • Introduction: Introduce Charlotte Brontë and "Jane Eyre." Briefly discuss the concept of a Bildungsroman, a novel that focuses on the psychological and moral development of a young protagonist.
  • Victorian Context: Explore the social, cultural, and political landscape of Victorian England. Discuss themes of class hierarchy, gender roles, the importance of reputation, and religious values.

Activities:

  • Students can create a timeline that outlines key events and characteristics of Victorian society.
  • Research and present on a specific aspect of Victorian life, such as education for girls, the role of the governess, or Victorian attitudes towards mental illness.

Week 3-4: Characters and Relationships

  • Character Analysis: Focus on the development of key characters like Jane Eyre, Mr. Rochester, and Mrs. Reed. Students can complete a character analysis chart that tracks each character's motivations, actions, and transformations throughout the novel. Discussions can explore themes of self-reliance, social constraints, love and desire, and the search for identity.
  • Gothic Elements: Analyze how Brontë incorporates elements of Gothic literature such as dark and mysterious settings, a brooding hero, and hidden secrets. Discuss how these elements contribute to the suspense and atmosphere of the novel.

Activities:

  • Students can write a diary entry from Jane's perspective at a pivotal moment in the story, reflecting on her thoughts and feelings.
  • In pairs, students can analyze a specific scene and discuss how it reveals the relationship between two characters and contributes to the plot development.

Week 5-6: Themes and Symbolism

  • Major Themes: Explore the novel's central themes such as social injustice and class inequality, the struggle for independence and self-definition, the power of education and self-improvement, and the complexities of love and desire.
  • Symbolism: Analyze the use of symbols in the novel, such as fire and ice, light and darkness, the wide-open moor, and Jane's dreams. Discuss how they contribute to the themes and overall meaning.

Activities:

  • Students can create a visual representation (collage, drawing) of a symbol from the novel and explain its significance in the context of the story.
  • Hold a Socratic Seminar discussion on a specific theme, encouraging students to use textual evidence to support their interpretations.

Week 7-8: Debates and Relevancy

  • Victorian Constraints: Hold a debate on the limitations placed on women in Victorian society and how Jane challenges these expectations.
  • Modern Connections: Explore how the themes and characters of "Jane Eyre" resonate with contemporary audiences. Discuss issues like social justice, self-discovery, and the pursuit of love despite societal pressures.

Activities:

  • Students can research and present on a contemporary example of a woman defying societal expectations, drawing parallels to Jane Eyre's journey.
  • Write a persuasive essay arguing for the enduring relevance of "Jane Eyre" and its continued appeal to readers today.

Differentiation:

  • Provide scaffolding and support for struggling readers through chapter summaries, annotated versions of the text, and vocabulary lists.
  • Challenge advanced students with deeper analysis of literary devices and Brontë's biographical context, research on the history of the Bildungsroman genre, or comparisons with film adaptations.
  • Offer a variety of response formats for assignments to cater to different learning styles (e.g., presentations, creative writing, visual projects).