'There was stretched Sarah Reed's once robust and active frame, rigid and still: her eye of flint was covered with its cold lid; her brow and strong traits wore yet the impress of her inexorable soul.' Which language choices give an impression of the hardness of Mrs Reed's character?

MCQs on the language in Jane Eyre, which draws on emotion, ideas of justice, nature, law, education and religion.

Descriptions of people are detailed in terms of their physical appearance and behavior; these portrayals are explicitly linked to inner character. The natural environment is depicted through language which is lyrical and evocative. Jane’s powerful emotions are effectively conveyed through Charlotte Brontë’s mastery of the affective vocabulary, that is to say, language related to feelings.