Chapter IX

Question 1

What season arrives in Chapter 9 bringing temporary relief?

Answer 1

Spring (March and April)

Question 2

What illness breaks out at Lowood and why is it so widespread?

Answer 2

Typhus fever, due to the poor diet, unsanitary conditions, and damp location of the school.

Question 3

How many girls fall ill and what happens to the school routine?

Answer 3

Over 45 out of 80 girls fall ill; the school routine collapses

Question 4

What effect does the epidemic have on the girls who remain healthy?

Answer 4

They are given a temporary vacation from classes and enjoy a brief freedom outdoors.

Question 5

Where does Helen Burns go when she falls ill?

Answer 5

She is sent to the infirmary, a small separate room (Miss Temple’s room) away from the main dormitories.

Question 6

What is the nature of Helen’s illness?

Answer 6

Consumption (tuberculosis) not typhus

Question 7

Why does Jane break the rules and sneak out of bed one night?

Answer 7

She wants to see Helen one last time.

Question 8

Where does Jane find Helen and what is the setting like?

Answer 8

She finds her in Miss Temple’s room, tucked in a clean bed and appearing weak but peaceful.

Question 9

What are Helen and Jane discussing as Helen nears death?

Answer 9

They discuss death and the afterlife

Question 10

What is Helen’s attitude towards her impending death? She is calm

Answer 10

She is calm, resigned, and even happy, believing she is going home to God.

Question 11

What does Jane ask Helen that shows her fear of being alone? She asks

Answer 11

She asks, “Where are you going, Helen? Can you see a long way?”

Question 12

What are Helen’s last words to Jane?

Answer 12

“I am very happy, Jane; and when you hear that I am dead, be sure and not grieve: there is nothing to grieve about.”

Question 13

How are the two girls discovered the next morning?

Answer 13

Miss Temple finds them asleep in the bed together.

Question 14

What happens to Helen Burns shortly after Jane visits her?

Answer 14

She dies peacefully.

Question 15

What is erected over Helen’s grave and what is its inscription?

Answer 15

A simple stone tablet is eventually erected, initially with just her name, but later with the word “Resurgam” (I shall rise again).