English Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam

What is the central conflict in the novel Jane Eyre?

1. Social inequality

2. Self-discovery

3. Greed

4. Family feuds

The correct answer is: Self-discovery

Jane Eyre is a bildungsroman, a novel that follows the personal growth and development of the protagonist. Throughout the story, Jane struggles with finding her own identity and purpose, which is the central conflict of the novel. Option A, social inequality, is a theme in the novel but not the central conflict. Option C, greed, is a minor conflict that affects Jane's relationships but is not the central focus of the story. Option D, family feuds, is also a part of Jane's life but does not drive the plot or her development. In contrast, Jane's journey towards self-discovery and understanding her own values and beliefs is the driving force of the novel and therefore the correct answer.