Chapter V

Question 1

What does Jane first witness the next morning that signals the school’s harsh conditions?

Answer 1

The girls rushing to get dressed in the freezing cold, their water frozen in their basins.

Question 2

What is wrong with the porridge (breakfast) on Jane’s first morning?

Answer 2

It is burnt, making it inedible.

Question 3

Who is the kind, young superintendent who expresses sympathy for the girls’ bad meal?

Answer 3

Miss Temple.

Question 4

How does Miss Temple solve the problem of the inedible breakfast?

Answer 4

She orders the cook to prepare an alternative meal of bread and cheese for the girls.

Question 5

Who is the strict, cross-looking teacher who acts as the primary disciplinarian?

Answer 5

Miss Scatcherd.

Question 6

Which girl does Miss Scatcherd constantly harass and punish?

Answer 6

Helen Burns.

Question 7

What is Jane’s impression of Helen Burns?

Answer 7

She finds Helen gentle, thoughtful, and strangely tranquil, despite the constant punishment.

Question 8

What punishment does Miss Scatcherd inflict on Helen that Jane witnesses?

Answer 8

She forces Helen to wear a placard with the word “Slattern” on it and beats her with a bundle of twigs.

Question 9

Jane asks Helen why she endures the punishment without complaint. What is Helen’s philosophy?

Answer 9

She believes in turning the other cheek and enduring suffering, following her Christian beliefs.

Question 10

Where does Jane first speak with Helen in a quiet, in-depth conversation?

Answer 10

In a gallery or passageway near the schoolroom.

Question 11

What does Helen tell Jane about the poor quality of food and clothing at Lowood?

Answer 11

She explains that Mr. Brocklehurst is extremely frugal and skimps on their needs to save money.

Question 12

What classic work of literature does Helen Burns mention reading?

Answer 12

She mentions reading Samuel Johnson’s Rasselas.

Question 13

What does Helen say is the one comforting thought that allows her to bear her hardships?

Answer 13

The thought of death and the afterlife, where she will be free from suffering.

Question 14

What advice does Helen give Jane on how to deal with injustice?

Answer 14

To endure it patiently and forgive those who wrong her, rather than giving in to passion.

Question 15

By the end of the chapter, what has Helen become for Jane?

Answer 15

Her first true friend and a philosophical guide.