Jane Eyre

Charlotte Bronte

I've never understood why this book is considered a classic of English literature. The characters...more

I've never understood why this book is considered a classic of English literature. The characters are petulant and self-absorbed, bound by class. While this could come across as tragic, it fails to do so and instead inspires contempt at the unwillingness of said characters to work towards their own happiness. Specifically annoying is Jane's refusal to accept Rochester, whom she loves, until he is disfigured and therefore somehow more acceptable to her. Early chapters are more enjoyable, with thin symbolism employed, such as the name of Miss Temple, the 'good Christian' type who instructs Jane in the orphanage. Jane is alternately a slave to ineptitude in managing her personal life and a dismal failure in achieving the goals she is constantly in reach of. I did not enjoy this book, although I have enjoyed ones considered in the same class of novel. Save yourself the hours; you'll never get them back.   hide

While most books from the time period that this novel was written focus on more influential-type...more

While most books from the time period that this novel was written focus on more influential-type people of society and their love lives, this book focuses on someone of lesser societal standing--a governess--and her love life. Jane Eyre is portrayed as a typical and plain girl with no real family rather than a raving beauty from a rich family. Although Jane Eyre falls in love with a rich and influential man, he isn't portrayed as the most gorgeous man in society. He is pursued by rich women because of his societal standing, even though he is much older than most single men in society. This tale is similar to the classic Cinderella story with different twists and many references to supernatural incidents. I recommend this book to anyone who has read Jane Austen's novels and has been slightly dismayed by the descriptions and societal standings of the characters. This book is definitely a change of pace for anyone who wants a good romance story that centers around the typical, plain, and lower class woman of society.   hide

Re-read. So much else I have read pales into insignificance beside the lucid prose, compelling...more

Re-read. So much else I have read pales into insignificance beside the lucid prose, compelling plot and vivid characters of Jane Eyre. I think I got even more out of it this time than previously. The relationship between Jane and Rochester is delightful - from the first they are in their own world conversing about elves and how ugly he is with an ease they clearly don't feel with anyone else, they really are both freaks together in their world. Most importantly, this is Jane's story from her abused beginning, early good and bad influences and the way she grows to be her own person beyond those influences, beyond her childish passion, beyond hero worship, passing through the crisis when all paths seemed equally evil and no rational arguments made sense, passing the temptations of what she wanted and compromise, the temptation to sacrifice all passion and self, the long dark night of the soul and the mercy of her final reconciliation with Rochester - after both of them has changed and they can finally be good for each other. What other book could get away with the line, "Reader, I married him." ?   hide

You want an actual book review? This book is very typical of its time period, long and a bit...more

You want an actual book review? This book is very typical of its time period, long and a bit tedious. I personally did not enjoy it, but in my high school of 1800 I only know two others that agree with me. The character of Jane is exasperating, she is very much a selfish bore - and while it is nice to have a protagonist who isn't picture perfect, her cdharacter is very over the top about it. The plotline is erratic, as if Bronte decided she didn't like the plot she had and thus switched it,, then becoming bored returned. The fire at the end seemed almost like BRonte was cheating and she wanted Jane and Rochester to get together, thus destroying the wife. Jane's forgiveness is very uncharacteristic, and although many would say it's because Rochester changed her, it feels too instant for that. The language in and of itself is beautiful in places, but very monotonous in others. In a scale from one to ten, ten being the best and one being the worst, I give this book about a two, but that only because it's not a textbook.   hide

Oh. Lord. Could she be any more whiny? Her song of lament more self-pitying? Oh poor little...more

Oh. Lord. Could she be any more whiny? Her song of lament more self-pitying? Oh poor little mousy me, my aunt, she no wuv me, my mean fat cousin hit me, ohhh my best friend died of TB, and my schoolgirl-teacher crush leeeeaves me for a man! Damn all men! Ohh the bossman, he be cute and all manly and angsty but no! I must redeem myself before I can redeem him! His crazy wife will eat me! Oh St. John, my handsome cousin that doesn't have fire in his loins for me! Oh woe, woe is me! Oh alright. I did like some of it. Mostly when she told Rochester to take a cold shower, even when it was breaking her heart. I read this when I was 13 or 14; it was a good lesson for a young girl.   hide