Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practice Question 223: Answer and Explanation

Question: 223

This is an excerpt from Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, written in 1847. Jane, previously a governess at Thornfield Hall, is engaged to marry the wealthy homeowner Mr. Rochester. She fretfully relays unexpected events to him that have recently occurred in his absence.

I dreamt another dream, sir: that Thornfield Hall was a dreary ruin, the retreat of bats and owls. I thought that of all the stately front nothing remained but a shell-like wall, very high and very fragile-looking. I wandered, on a moonlight night, through the grass-grown enclosure within: here I stumbled over a marble hearth, and there over a fallen fragment of cornice. Wrapped up in a shawl, I still carried the unknown little child: I might not lay it down anywhere, however tired were my arms-however much its weight impeded my progress, I must retain it. I heard the gallop of a horse at a distance on the road; I was sure it was you; and you were departing for many years and for a distant country.

In her dream, how did Jane first perceive the presence of Mr. Rochester?

• A. Through sight
• B. Through hearing
• C. Through smell
• D. Through touch

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

(B) The text states that Jane is first made aware of Mr. Rochester's presence when she hears "the gallop of a horse," which would be perceived through hearing.