2. How would you best describe the central idea of this chapter? Which phrase from the chapter best helps develop the central idea?
When I first started reading this chapter, I immediately notice that the tone was depressing and dark. I initially thought the phrase I would end up using to summarize/develop the central idea was "My first quarter at Lowood seemed an age; and not the golden age either; it comprised an irksome struggle with difficulties in habituating myself to new rules and unwonted tasks." (Eyre chapter 7). The author starts out by doing nothing but describing very harsh and cold conditions that no one would want to bare. I thought the central idea was that the girls had it very rough, and life in their situation was very conservative and hard.
After reading more of the chapter, I realized that this is a very one-dimensional way of thinking about the text. Later on, the story flashes back to when the narrator first arrived at the institution. The central idea seemed to be very different than what I had initially thought, and I managed to find a phrase that I believe helps develop this central idea: "Such is the imperfect nature of man!" (Eyre chapter 7). I feel that the central idea of this chapter is that nothing is perfect. The harsh descriptions in the beginning signify that their environment is imperfect. Their lack of food signifies imperfection. The fact that a girl is at an extremely conservative Christian institution but still has extravagant orange curls in her hair shows that the institution is imperfect. Perhaps one of the biggest contradictions of all that contributes to the central idea is the fact that Mr. Brocklehurst condemns the new girl upon her arrival to the institution. He is so caught up in the nitty-gritty details and the literal meaning of the Bible that he neglects one of the basic principles of Christianity: "The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:31). I can't help but notice that this occurs a lot even in today's society. People get so caught up in details that they forget the greater purpose of their actions. This can render their efforts useless, and it often makes Christians seem like hypocrites as it does to Mr. Brocklehurst in the chapter.
I enjoyed reading about how you processed the passage- your thoughts echo what Bronte perhaps intended (which can be seen in the novel's entirety). I do wish you had examined social and historical context as well as language as a way to support your reasoning. I also believe it is necessary to include evidence from the text to support what you feel is revealed through Mr. Brocklehurst's character.
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