The Jane Journey: Second Stop

 
First papers! This Monday, students in my “Jane’s Journey” class turned in their first papers for the Jane Eyre section of the course. They had been working on ideas, a thesis, and drafts for the past 10 days or so, and I had enjoyed the back and forth collaboration through Google Docs. I am so impressed with the organizational and reading skills of these students; their ability to cite the text effectively and develop strong arguments is advanced, and I continually witness firsthand how much they have grown in their time here (the students in this class are juniors and seniors).

What did they write about? A wide variety of self-selected topics, all of which impart a highly sophisticated understanding of the text and its meaning:

  • The female journey to self-actualization
  • The role of external events leading to internal growth
  • Harry Potter and Jane Eyre as quintessential hero and heroine
  • Class and power structure in the Victorian world
  • Jane as an unconventional Victorian heroine
  • Jane’s bond with the natural world and how it signifies her unconventional growth
  • The role of the Red Room in Jane’s growth

As a teacher, it is fascinating to witness the writing and thinking process, and the manner in which each student seems to go about it in their own unique way, although of course there are connections and similarities too. All students in the class exhibit an effective brainstorming approach — some structural, some more holistic — that starts them off. Given the small size of our class (13 students), I’ve been fortunate enough to have regular, brief, one-on-one meetings with each student to talk through their thinking and ponder additional ideas to explore. I think what has made me the most pleased is how these students, and all CSW students at this level, know how and when to use the text to support their arguments (and keep in mind this is a novel of over 500 pages).  This is a skill they will continue to use in so many disciplines as they continue their studies.

A huge part of this ability, of course, is due to the brilliance of Charlotte Brontë and the way she structures the story by place, using the setting to illustrate Jane’s growth through the way she faces external trials, and ultimately develops an internal moral compass. Her declaration, “I was a discord at Gateshead,” becomes hugely emblematic of her early struggles. And the very name “Thornfield” hints at what sort of future awaits her. This book stands the test of time for sure and I am falling in love with it — and Jane — all over again.

Got to run now, papers to grade...
 

Campus News

Meet CSW Students


45 Georgian Road | Weston, MA 02493 | 781-642-8600

CSW—a gender-inclusive day and boarding school for grades 9-12—is a national leader in progressive education. We live out our values of inquiry-based learning, student agency, and embracing diverse perspectives in every aspect of our student experience. Young people come to CSW to learn how to learn and then put what they learn into action—essential skills they carry into their futures as doers, makers, innovators, leaders, and exceptional humans who do meaningful work in the world.