Jane Eyre
Which of the following are motifs that become prominent in the Lowood section of the novel? Select all that apply.
books
food
hats
sight
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
In the Lowood section of Jane Eyre, several motifs become prominent as the protagonist, Jane, navigates her early years at the harsh institution. Among the options provided—books, food, hats, and sight—the correct motifs that are prominent in this section are books and food.
Books
Books are a significant motif at Lowood School, especially for Jane, who finds solace and comfort in reading. In a place where she is subjected to harsh treatment, limited comfort, and strict discipline, books serve as an escape for her. They represent knowledge, intellectual growth, and a means of coping with her difficult circumstances. For Jane, books symbolize her quest for self-improvement and an understanding of the world beyond her immediate hardships. The importance of reading is underscored when Miss Temple, the kind teacher, allows Jane to read more widely, and books become part of Jane’s personal development. This motif emphasizes the role of education as a path to personal empowerment.
Food
Food is another important motif at Lowood, and it reflects the scarcity and deprivation experienced by the girls at the institution. The conditions at Lowood are notoriously poor, and food is often in short supply. The girls are served a meager diet, which often leads to illness, particularly when a typhoid outbreak occurs. In contrast to the abundance of food often associated with childhood, Jane’s experience at Lowood is characterized by hunger and malnutrition, which further highlights the cruelty and neglect within the institution. The motif of food thus symbolizes not just physical deprivation but also the broader themes of suffering and neglect.
Hats and Sight
While hats and sight do appear in the narrative, they are not as central to the Lowood section as books and food. Hats might play a role in the social dynamics at Lowood, but they do not hold the same thematic significance. Similarly, sight is not a prominent motif in the Lowood portion of the novel, although it may metaphorically tie into themes of perception and understanding, especially as Jane grows in knowledge and awareness. However, these motifs do not have the same weight as books and food in this particular section of the story.
In summary, books and food are the correct motifs, symbolizing intellectual growth and deprivation, respectively, and are integral to the development of Jane’s character during her time at Lowood.