Jane Eyre

 Synopsis

Charlotte Bronte's impassioned novel is the love story of Jane Eyre, a plain yet spirited governess, and her employer, the arrogant, brooding Mr. Rochester.

Published in 1847 under the pseudonym Currer Bell, the book heralded a new kind of heroine- one whose virtuous integrity, keen intellect, and tireless perseverance broke through class barriers to win equal stature with the man she loved. 

Loved

• Jane. Jane Eyre is distinct from other heroines of English literature because she is not beautiful, wealthy, flirtatious, or ambitious. She is plain, sensible, poor, orphaned, and level-headed. Although plain, Jane is spirited and passionate, and holds to her ideals and principles through heartache and sorrow. Jane possesses a quiet, yet dignified strength that develops and refines through the challenges she experiences in the story. When I read this in high school, I didn't quite appreciate the significance of Jane's journey of preserving her self-worth and dignity, but reading it ten years later, I applaud Jane for refusing to comply with societal expectations and norms. Jane is a very refreshing heroine with her subtle, but sharp wit, her blunt and direct communication, and her mild, yet pragmatic attitude. I adore Jane and she has become one of my favorite figures of literature.

• Mr. Rochester. Now as a disclaimer, I do have a few issues with this man, not the least being his attempt at deceiving Jane into a marriage with him. He can also be manipulative and moody. However, it's hard not to fall at least a little in love with this broody, passionate hero. Another disclaimer- I adore Mr. Darcy and all the Austen men, but I think spending an evening in conversation with Mr. Rochester would be so much more interesting than with Mr. Darcy. Mr. Rochester is so passionate about many different subjects and his frank wit and observation make him very intriguing.

• Mr. Rochester and Jane's relationship. Again, there are some odd elements to this romance- such as being 20 years apart. That used to bother me when I was younger, but this time reading it I realized that it makes sense because nothing else about their relationship is conventional or adherent to the social expectations of that day. These two are the perfect complement to each other- Jane with her frank and blunt honesty and Mr. Rochester with his clever jests and inquiries. Where any other woman would be cowed by Mr. Rochester's dark moods and at times sharp speeches, Jane is encouraged by them and deflects them with her level-headed sensibility. 

• The challenged expectations. My favorite part about this story is that Jane is not content to become the rich and beautified Mrs. Rochester. Her beliefs and self-worth are more important to her, and she breaks her own heart to preserve them. Without spoiling, the ending is so perfect because Jane is finally on equal grounds with Mr. Rochester, and he is finally humbled enough to appreciate Jane completely for all her simplicity and plainness.

• The gothic feel. Again, I love Austen novels, but the Bronte sisters really do know how to add a little excitement ;) I love the tiny touch of horror and supernatural in this story that make you shiver a few times in creepiness. I also love the mystery and plot twists surrounding this story that we don't get in many classic novels. 

Didn't Love

• Obviously Mr. Rochester has some ahem *skeletons*, if you will, in his closet, or um, attic. And there are many things he does that bother me. However, I love that Jane does not put up with his manipulations and selfishness, and ultimately, by the end of the story he has become humble and contrite, and understands the weight of all he has done.

Content

• Language: 
• A few uses of "damn."

• Sexual content: 
• A few mild kisses, nothing described.
• Talk of past affairs with different lovers. These affairs started with prostitutes.

• Violence:
• A man's bed is set on fire in an attempted murder.
• A man is stabbed and wounded.
• A woman jumps off a building and dies by suicide.


• Other themes:
• Some disturbing scenes regarding "madness." A character is shown raving, ranting, and violently attacking others. This character is shut up for years.
• Creepy scenes of a character waking up to ethereal laughter, footsteps outside her room, and eventually a person hovering over her bed staring at her.
• Theme of marriage and what makes a marriage valid and worth honoring.

Overall Thoughts

As I said above, I read this in high school and loved it- mostly for the love story, the mystery, and the gothic feel of the story. But re-reading it ten years later, I fell in love with it all over again- but for different reasons. I absolutely adore Jane and I found her to be such a refreshing heroine because she is so plain, but so self-respecting and true to herself through all she experiences. I love that she breaks through societal barriers and norms to fight for what she feels is right. The ending of this story is perfect and beautifully redemptive and symbolic for all Jane experiences throughout her story. I found myself head-over-heels all over again for this novel, and I think it's one everyone should treat themselves to :)