Discussion Questions
1. Charlotte Brontë called her work “a plain tale,” but 165 years later, her novel Jane Eyre still enchants readers. What do you think is the secret to this book’s popularity? Do you think it is still relevant today? Does Death of a Schoolgirl make you want to re-read the classic?
2. The author begins Death of a Schoolgirl close to where Jane Eyre left off, with Jane and her beloved Edward Rochester happily married. But while Jane is still the same person—curious, cerebral, observant, and unobtrusive—in some important ways she has changed. The struggling orphan of the classic is now a wealthy wife of a country squire and the mother of a little boy. It what other ways has Jane changed? Do you approve of these changes? Why or why not?
3. At various times in the book, Jane has different motivations for staying at Alderton House School for Girls. At first, she is there to see to Adèle. Then she feels she must protect the other schoolgirls. Later, she worries about Miss Miller being accused wrongly. What other motivations does she have? What is it about Jane’s past that makes her feel so strongly that she must do something? Do you think she should have just taken Adèle and left the school?
4. Jane is less than truthful in many ways. One is the manner in which she dresses. Another is allowing herself to be mistaken for an errant German teacher. These are only two examples. Can you think of other ways in which she is duplicitous? How about the other characters? Is dishonesty ever justifiable? Why or why not?
5. Lucy Brayton is a new addition to the original cast of Jane Eyre. How does she serve as a foil to Jane? What strengths does Lucy bring to their friendship? What weaknesses in Jane’s personality does Lucy spotlight? What do you learn about Jane because their interactions?
6. The author has a bit of fun with the reader by locating the home of Captain and Lucy Brayton at #24 Grosvenor Square. What is the symbolism of that address?
7. Lucy Brayton understands how to use her social standing and wealth to achieve her aims. Can you give examples of this? Do you think she is right or wrong to take advance of her position?
8. Bruce Douglas is also a new character to the original Jane Eyre cast. What does he add to the story? How does he help Jane in her quest? How does he contrast with Edward Rochester?
9. Characters in the book show their prejudices toward others in a variety of ways, such as bias regarding national origin, social pedigree, education, age and gender. Did you notice them throughout the text? Do these still exist today?
10. Throughout Death of a Schoolgirl, there are many subtle themes. One is how we judge people by outward appearances; a second is responsibility to others; and a third theme is how our assumptions about others can be wrong. There is also the question of what accommodations marital/romantic partners make for each other. What other examples can you find of these themes in the text?
11. On the trip into Millcote, Jane sees her role as Edward’s wife differently. At the end of the book, Edward views his position as country squire in a new light. What events cause the Rochesters to re-examine their responsibilities?
12. In the original Jane Eyre, the imagery of birds is very important. Can you point to places where birds or bird-like behavior is likewise woven into Death of a Schoolgirl?
13. Jane seems ideally suited to understand and employ the science of ratiocination. What makes her such a good amateur sleuth?
14. Many of the characters in the book are seeking redemption or trying to rebuild their lives in one way or another. Which of them have your sympathy? Which do not? Why?
(Questions from author's website.)