Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre

I read Jane Eyre years ago when I first began reading classic literature, but when I found out I was studying the text as part of my degree I was intrigued to read it again. I can’t lie, I got the same feeling from rereading it now I’m older than I did years ago. This is my own personal preference, but I really don’t like Jane, our titular character. Its hard to explain in words but I just didn’t like the character Charlotte created. I found her personality a bit dull (sorry if anyone loves this book). This book is one the list for the best classic texts or on peoples most favourite reads but it’s not one for me. I like the book but I’d never class it as one of my favourites (sorry).

The book is based of Bronte’s life loosely and it is following the life of orphan Jane Eyre who is residing in her aunt’s house who hates her. She’s later sent to boarding school and begins working as a governess. Following this we watch her move through the turbulent world of love, money, and reputation all while trying to deal with her own insecurities. Jane is stubborn, headstrong, and outspoken, especially when it came to injustice. This book is written truly beautifully, with phenomenal descriptions of the setting but also of Jane’s internal struggles.

The plot however is slow and wasn’t really all that compelling to me, and this made it difficult to read. Lets put it this way, its not a text you can binge-read one Sunday afternoon.

The main theme of the novel is the romantic aspect of the text. I am biased to this, but I don’t like her romantic significant other (I wont spoil who she gets with) as I thought he was rude and arrogant. Although it was nice to see the love between them grow and mature, instead of love at first sight. The characters don’t fall in love due to their physical attraction between each other, but through getting to know each other which is nice.

I do love the feministic aspects of the book and considering the text was written in the early 1800’s the bold, definite writing was very brave of Bronte. This is especially prominent in Jane’s thoughts as she makes bold decisions despite being inferior due to the patriarchy. An example is:

“Women are supposed to be very calm generally: but women feel just as men […] it is narrow-minded in their more privileged fellow-creatures to say that they ought to confine themselves to making puddings and knitting stockings, to playing on the piano and embroidering bags.”

One of the biggest take-aways from this is that Jane Eyre is an inspiring, independent woman, and something young girls should aspire to be like. Although I don’t personally love this book, I agree it is one of those classic books everyone should read and admire for the immense brilliance of Charlotte Bronte’s writing. There is also a 2011 film adaptation which is good, but it cuts out a few scenes. There is also a TV adaptation which I haven’t seen yet but the reviews indicate it is much better than the film!