Chapter X

Question 1

What are the two major consequences of the typhus epidemic at Lowood?

Answer 1

Public attention leads to an investigation, and Mr. Brocklehurst is publicly disgraced.

Question 2

What is the immediate result of the investigation?

Answer 2

New benefactors and trustees are appointed, leading to major improvements in the school’s conditions.

Question 3

How does the physical state of Lowood change after the epidemic?

Answer 3

It is moved to a healthier part of the grounds, and the diet and clothing are improved.

Question 4

What becomes of Mr. Brocklehurst’s role at Lowood?

Answer 4

He is relegated to merely being the treasurer; his authority over the daily running of the school is removed.

Question 5

How long does Jane stay at the newly improved Lowood?

Answer 5

Six years as a student, followed by two years as a teacher.

Question 6

What is Jane’s intellectual and moral growth like during this period?

Answer 6

She excels in her studies and achieves a degree of self-control and contentment.

Question 7

What event marks a turning point and makes Jane desire a change?

Answer 7

Miss Temple’s marriage and subsequent departure from Lowood.

Question 8

How does Jane feel after Miss Temple leaves?

Answer 8

She realizes the school has become a “prison” once her friend is gone, and her restlessness returns.

Question 9

What action does Jane take to seek a new life?

Answer 9

She places an advertisement in a newspaper seeking a position as a governess.

Question 10

What kind of reply does Jane receive, and what position is offered?

Answer 10

She receives one reply, offering a post as a governess at a place called Thornfield Hall.

Question 11

Who does Jane consult about her decision to leave, and what is the advice?

Answer 11

She consults Mrs. Reed, who discourages her from taking the position. (Wait, Bessie is who Jane consults, though Mrs. Reed is informed). Correction: She consults Bessie about whether she should leave.

Question 12

What does Jane ask Bessie about her time at Gateshead, confirming a childhood memory?

Answer 12

She asks if her Uncle Reed would have been kinder to her than Mrs. Reed.

Question 13

Bessie visits Jane and tells her about the Reeds. What is the latest news of the three cousins?

Answer 13

Eliza is rigid and orderly, Georgiana is beautiful but frivolous, and John is failing his studies and running into debt.

Question 14

How does Jane feel as she packs to leave Lowood?

Answer 14

Hopeful and a little fearful of the unknown, but eager for a new start.

Question 15

How old is Jane when she finally leaves Lowood Institution?

Answer 15

She is eighteen years old.