miss temple

• "The first was a tall lady with dark hair, dark eyes, and a pale forehead; her figure was partly enveloped in a shawl, her countenance was grave, her bearing erect" (Page 52)


  Links to the figure of Christ (physiognomy) - maternal Christ like figure. Could foreshadow Bertha, also draws on the theme of being hidden in the book.
• "The first impressed me by her voice, look, and air" (Page 52)

  Jane gains good first impressions from Miss Temple and allows the reader to believe that she will gain a good bond with Jane. Another form of a substitute mother who wants Jane to progress through the hierarchical and patriarchal society.
• "You had this morning a breakfast which you could not eat; you must be hungry. I have ordered that a lunch of bread and cheese shall be served to all" (Page 57)


  Miss Temple superior to the other teachers and will risk her position to provide the girls with sufficient care. Maternal figure. Seen as the substitute mothers who cared for the girls progression.
• "Miss Temple is very good, and very clever; she is above the rest, because she knows far more than they do" (Page 61).

  Miss Temple is superior to the other teachers and is an example to the girls that if they accomplish themselves they may find themselves successful in their field of work. Role model for Jane and the girls at Lowood.
• "Miss Temple Is full of goodness: it pains her to be severe to anyone, even the worst in the school: she sees my errors, and tells me of them gently; and, if I do anything worthy of praise, she fives me my meed liberally" (Page 67)


  Miss Temple is a role model to Helen and the girls at Lowood. She acts as a maternal character - substitute mother. She is the fairest out of the teachers and prepares them for life in Victorian society.
• "Don't be afraid, Jane, I saw it was an accident; you shall not be punished" (Page 78)


  Miss Temple supports Jane and stands up for what is morally right.
• "We shall think you what you prove yourself to be, my child. Continue to act as a good girl and you will satisfy us" (Page 84)


  Miss Temple does not accept Mr Brocklehurst's accusations and does not make judgements of Jane, allowing her to prove her own character. She gives the girls at Lowood the opportunity to express themselves to define who they are.
• "You shall be publicly cleared from every imputation: to me, Jane, you are clear now" (Page 85)


  Wants Jane to have a fresh start and not be condemned by her past. Offers her freedom to achieve her aims.
• "She proceeded to cut slices with a generous hand" (Page 86)


  Miss Temple charitable to the girls. Wants them to have the equality of life and opportunity to pursue their dreams. Gives them the strength to be mobile in the strict social strata of Victorian England.
• "God bless you, my children!" (Page 87)


  Personal pronoun suggest that she sees the girls as her own. Reflective of her maternal substitute mother status.
• "Miss Temple's whole attention was absorbed by the patients: she lived in the sick-room, never quitting it except to snatch a few hours' rest at night" (Page 91)


  Miss Temple offers all help to the girls health due to her generosity at puts her own health at risk in doing so. She is maternal - substitute mothers.
• "Maria"


  Miss Temple allows Jane to call her by her devout name, breaking the class system. Derived from Mary (mother of Christ) importance of religion, Bronte's sisters name. Portrays strong relationship between Miss Temple and Jane.
• "Her friendship and society had been my continual solace; she had stood me in the stead of mother, governess, and latterly, companion" (Page 100)


  Miss Temple is a true friend to Jane and their relationship has progressed as Jane has grown older. Substitute mothers.
• "From the day she left I was no longer the same: with her was one every settled feeling, every association that had made Lowood in some degree a home to me" (Page 100)


  Without Miss Temple, Jane feels that she cannot be herself and feels lost at Lowood. Influences her to find her own solitude.
• "I had imbibed from her something of her nature and much of her habits; more harmonious thoughts; what seemed better regulated feelings had become the inmates of my mind" (Page 100)


  Miss Temple has influenced Jane's character and made her conform to societal expectations and become accomplished so she can progress through the hierarchical and patriarchal society and gain liberty. Through association with Miss Temple, Jane has learned temperance.