Chapter XVII

Question 1

What does Mr. Rochester instruct Jane to do every evening during the visit?

Answer 1

To sit with the company in the drawing-room for a short time after dinner.

Question 2

What is the favorite activity of the party guests?

Answer 2

Charades and games, often involving music and theatricality.

Question 3

What does Blanche Ingram do that clearly signals her disdain for governesses and dependents?

Answer 3

She and her mother engage in cruel conversation, mocking the profession of governess.

Question 4

What specific quality does Blanche display that Jane mentally criticizes?

Answer 4

Her vanity, superficiality, and lack of true intelligence or feeling.

Question 5

How does Mr. Rochester behave towards Jane in front of the guests?

Answer 5

He mostly ignores her, sometimes giving her a curt command, ensuring she remains in the background.

Question 6

What is Jane’s view of the supposed great match between Mr. Rochester and Blanche?

Answer 6

She believes it is a match of convenience—Blanche wants his money; he wants her social standing.

Question 7

What is the only true source of amusement for Jane during this period?

Answer 7

Observing the guests and analyzing their characters in her mind.

Question 8

After dinner, what signal does Mr. Rochester give Jane to leave the room?

Answer 8

A dismissive nod or a curt word, allowing her to retreat to the nursery.

Question 9

Who is the one man in the company who treats Jane with kindness?

Answer 9

Colonel Dent, an old army friend of Mr. Rochester.

Question 10

What is the new atmosphere of Thornfield that Jane dislikes?

Answer 10

The noise and superficiality of the wealthy guests.

Question 11

What is the change in Mr. Rochester’s mood during the party?

Answer 11

He seems happier and more animated, but also falser and more theatrical.

Question 12

What news is suddenly announced that changes the dynamics of the party?

Answer 12

The unexpected arrival of a man named Mr. Mason from Jamaica.

Question 13

How does Mr. Rochester react to the news of Mr. Mason’s arrival?

Answer 13

He is visibly and profoundly disturbed, turning pale and agitated.

Question 14

Where is Mr. Mason taken to recover from his journey?

Answer 14

He is taken to the library to meet with Mr. Rochester privately.

Question 15

What is Jane’s final thought as she retreats to her room for the evening?

Answer 15

That the unexpected arrival of Mr. Mason suggests a dark, complicated secret in Mr. Rochester’s life.