Jane Eyre (Penguin Classics)

Published in 1847, the novel, at first glance, appears to be another well written gothic romance, of the kind so popular in the Victorian Age, with its mystery, horror, brooding hero, touch of the melodramatic, and dark castle-like setting. The rise of poor orphaned Jane, who against all odds, redeems her tormented hero through her steadfast love, is really not unique at all. Charlotte Bronte did not, however, write a mere romance, no matter how riveting the read. Throughout, the author makes some serious statements about women's equality, the treatment of children, and of women forced into a dependent state during the Victorian epoch, religious hypocrisy, romantic relationships between men and women, the nature of true love, and the development of self. This is a beautifully written work of fiction which combines a riveting storyline, compelling characters, vivid descriptions along with a powerful testimony about the period in which the book was written.

Young Jane, orphaned at an early age, is grudgingly taken-in by her Aunt, Mrs. Reed, who seems to despise the child. The Reed children are spoiled rotten, and the eldest son is somewhat of a sadist who abuses his young cousin terribly. Aunt Reed always finds a reason to blame Jane for the household's ills. When the boy takes his torture too far and Jane attempts to defend herself, her aunt has her locked in the room where her uncle died, terrifying the poor girl into hysteria. Unwilling to care for the girl any longer, Mrs. Reed packs her off to the harsh Lowood School, a miserable charitable institution which is more like a prison than a place of education. Lowood's despicable headmaster, Rev. Brockelhurst, does everything in his power to break Jane's spirit. At one point, when he asks Jane how to avoid going to hell, she defiantly responds, "I must stay well and not die."

A particularly compassionate teacher recognizes Jane's intelligence and sensitivity and befriends the girl. When Jane graduates she stays to teach at Lowood until her mentor leaves to marry. Jane then decides it is time for a change, and applies for a position as a governess. She is offered a job at the distant Thornfield Manor. Mrs. Fairfax, Thornfield's housekeeper, welcomes her warmly and introduces her to the staff and to little girl who will be her pupil, the precocious Adele. She is not, however, introduced to all the household's inhabitants - especially not to one who inhabits the uppermost floor. Thornfield's owner, Mr. Rochester, (one of my favorite literary heroes), is away when our protagonist arrives, yet it is he who will have a most profound effect on her life - and she on his.

If you have not read "Jane Eyre" yet, why wait any longer? If you have not reread it for a few years, now's the time! My highest recommendations!
JANA


a great classic   October 24, 2004
 2 out of 3 found this review helpful

I have had this novel since i was about 13, and have read it so many times - i love it. I've always enjoyed the first part of the novel best, when she is victimised by her aunt and then the description of her time in the childrens home, because the description is so vivid and she is made so real as a character. The reader is on a journey with Jane, and we realise her faults at the same time she does, and we admire her courage and bravery throughout. I suppose it could be seen as unrealistic, certain parts more than others, but i think the characters are credable and this gives strength to the plot. Everyone should read this novel!


Bit on the dull side anyone?   July 24, 2003
 9 out of 31 found this review helpful

Before you go into an explanation of why this book is so good ("universally appealing love story", a sucker punch from an equality-seeking proto-feminist, attacks on bigoted religion: all pertinent points), the fact is this book is....well, it's a bit boring. Charlotte Bronte drags out descriptions and conversations over pages when anything more than a couple of paragraphs would've been pushing it . And before you say it's typical of the style at the time, how become "Wuthering Heights" has much more intriguing occurrences and yet is considerably shorter?

There's also the fact that Jane is blatantly Charlotte herself. All novels are broadly autobiographical yes; but in this case the author shamelessly uses this book to indulge in self-pity and wish fulfillment (i.e. the way people are all mean to her and the ridiculously brooding Mr. Rochester). Really, it's too much having to wade through the fifteenth whiny, detailed description of how St.John Rivers is a prat (only in a more dignified, sophisticated and lengthy style).


some objections about reviews   March 21, 2000
 8 out of 10 found this review helpful

After having read all the previous reviews on Jane Eyre I have to make some objections.Why is it that some people complain about Charlotte using too many details?I have read a simplified edition and it didn't come near the unabridged.Details make the novel more realistic. Verissimilitude is always the purpose.And now how many of you found the end sad and unhappy? Sadness I felt when I finished it but it was only because I had loved the heroine so much that didn't like to exit her wonderful world. (Remember things could be worst for her!)Jane has in the end a mutilated happiness but it is a happiness.And at last I must object to those who said Jane is a heroine with low self esteem,boring and not very dynamic.Such a review gives me the idea of ignorance.Ignorance of the circumstances in Charlotte Bronte's world.Jane Eyre is too bold and too ahead from her age.She speaks her opinions boldly,has the courage to say to Mr Rochester she loves him but he is a blockhead and he never understood her,she despices him and St John and even stands with her back against the door to forbid him to exit without explanations.She is "a free human being with an independent will".And it is because she respects and values herself and she has self-esteem that she leaves Mr Rochester.Those of you who liked the book should also try to find out how much true it is in some points.My only objection to the novel is that it is a little melodramatic but the strenght of feelings is such that you don't really mind.Finally I propose to organise a fun club of Jane Eyre as the admirers are many.