Jane Eyre (Norton Critical Editions)

by Charlotte Brontë, Richard J. Dunn (editor)

published

October 14th 2000 (first published 1847) by W. W. Norton & Company

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binding

Paperback, 321 pages

isbn

0393975428 (isbn13: 9780393975420)

description

The text reprinted in this new edition is that of the 1848 third edition text-the last text corrected by the author. b>Contexts</b> includes ...more

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Russell rated it:

(review of isbn 0142437204)

10/14/07

Read in May, 2006

I commenced reading this novel with the idea that I had read this before fixed in my mind. It is in my nature to re-read books, so I thought nothing of opening the pages and immersing myself in the flow of the story.

Imagine my surprise, Reader, when I quickly discerned that I had not, as I previously imagined, been acquainted with the characters that adorned the pages. I was at a lost on how my memory had failed me, but I quickly rallied and applied myself to the task at hand.

My enjo...more

I commenced reading this novel with the idea that I had read this before fixed in my mind. It is in my nature to re-read books, so I thought nothing of opening the pages and immersing myself in the flow of the story.

Imagine my surprise, Reader, when I quickly discerned that I had not, as I previously imagined, been acquainted with the characters that adorned the pages. I was at a lost on how my memory had failed me, but I quickly rallied and applied myself to the task at hand.

My enjoyment of the book grew as the plot unfurled, the characters were pleasing to myself, their cares and concerns resonated with the inner workings of my own character.

Ahem. Sorry. I’ll stop channeling Bronte.

This was a story of passion, of grace, of human longing to love and to be loved in turn. It was Gothic, it was Romantic, it is a true classic. Sure, it played on not just one typical plot but two, the marriage plot and the inheritance plot, but they worked. Bronte teases one, and then the other, into fitting her characters’ story deftly leaving the core to to play out properly. The core story is of Jane finding someone to love and who loves her back for herself.

Bronte’s other characters are written just well enough to have them not be just caricatures and a few shine on their own, but they all pale to the effort she puts into Jane and Edward Rochester. Rochester fits more along the lines of the Romantic Hero. Far more than Heathcliff. Of course, Heathcliff was the anti-Romantic Hero, so I guess anyone not him would be more Romantic Hero-like.

Rochester is complex character. Bronte sets him up quickly and then lets him him loose in the story. He’s a powerful force, and it takes all of Jane’s willpower to stay independent of his will and drive. That she does it is a given, how she manages it is one of reasons I kept reading it.

I think that the story is better suited for teenage girls than any other group. This doesn’t dampen the enjoyment at all for anyone else, but I think a teenager would really like this book. (If you could pull them away from the cellphone, or IM, long enough to get them started. Maybe bribery?)

I also think that Jane Eyre is more universally appealing than Wuthering Heights, although both books are classics and are well deserving of the title. Wuthering Heights is for a more refined and discerning taste. (He says, adjusting his ascot and peering down from his jeweled pince-nez.)

If you haven’t read this, or haven’t read it a long while, I recommend it.
...less

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Abigail rated it:

(review of isbn 0142437204)

04/28/08

bookshelves: literature-classics

Read in July, 1988

recommends it for: People Who Read...

It isn't every book that speaks to both the Wild Romantic and the Stern Puritan in me, and since the day I first read Jane Eyre - up in the woods of Michigan, the summer I was twelve - I have revisited it often, and always with pleasure. It is a book that speaks in many tongues, to many people, and presents many faces to the world, all worth exploring...

Depending on who you speak to, this is the best and truest love story ever written - a narrative of the suffering and endurance of t...more It isn't every book that speaks to both the Wild Romantic and the Stern Puritan in me, and since the day I first read Jane Eyre - up in the woods of Michigan, the summer I was twelve - I have revisited it often, and always with pleasure. It is a book that speaks in many tongues, to many people, and presents many faces to the world, all worth exploring...

Depending on who you speak to, this is the best and truest love story ever written - a narrative of the suffering and endurance of true love; a commentary on the social and economic subjugation of women in 19th-century England; or an oblique exploration of race and empire. It is all of these things, of course, but for me, the power of Jane Eyre stems from its keenly observed and acutely realized portrait of the conflict between duty and desire.

From the very first line, when a hidden Jane looks out onto a rain-soaked world, I entered wholly into the psyche of this character. Her desire to love and be loved, so cruelly denied in her childhood, seemed as piercingly real to me as anything I had ever felt in my own life. Lonely Jane, for all the Gothic trappings that surround her, could be the poster child for that "transcendental homelessness" of which Lukács speaks...

So it is, when Jane seems to find a home with Rochester, whose "bad-boy" persona would make any schoolgirl's heart flutter, I could enter with abandon into the almost ecstatic joy of her homecoming, her communion with another soul. Lonely Jane no more...

And when Jane discovers the duplicity of her lover, and the insurmountable ethical obstacles to her happiness, her stern devotion to duty, her almost-desperate recourse to principle, permit her a tremendous (but costly) moral victory. To this day, I cannot read the scenes in which Jane must tear herself away from Rochester, or the following passage, without getting chills:

Still indomitable was the reply--"I care for myself. The more solitary, the more friendless, the more unsustained I am, the more I will respect myself. I will keep the law given by God; sanctioned by man. I will hold to the principles received by me when I was sane, and not mad--as I am now. Laws and principles are not for the times when there is no temptation: they are for such moments as this, when body and soul rise in mutiny against their rigour; stringent are they; inviolate they shall be. If at my individual convenience I might break them, what would be their worth? They have a worth--so I have always believed; and if I cannot believe it now, it is because I am insane--quite insane: with my veins running fire, and my heart beating faster than I can count its throbs. Preconceived opinions, foregone determinations, are all I have at this hour to stand by: there I plant my foot."

After many travails, Jane does find her happy ending (thank goodness), and having triumphed over her own heart, she is rewarded with her heart's desire. But that conflict, between the desire to be happy and the need to do right, is what gives Jane Eyre its peculiar power. It is Jane herself who is the masterpiece....less

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Mindy rated it:

(review of isbn 0142437204)

01/28/08

bookshelves: fiction

Read in September, 2007

recommends it for: women.

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

If you haven't read it and think you might, don't read this review, as it truly is a great book and filled with suspense and lots of surprises.

The book jacket claims that "Charlotte Bronte poured her contempt for the stifling conventions society imposed upon a woman's right to emotional and sexual fulfillment." On one hand, I can see how this "frank revelation of female character" may have been shocking or particularly well-developed for the time. The entire time I read i...more

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Ben rated it:

(review of isbn 0142437204)

09/17/07

This was actually the book that made a reader out of me. I mean, I've always read books, But sometime in high school, I encountered Jane Eyre, and it just clicked. There was story here, and real people having real emotions. Now, I remember being deeply moved in grade school by Bridge to Terebithia. But those were emotions drawn in broad, child-like brushstrokes. Jane Eyre was the first book that made me think abou...more

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Kathryn rated it:

(review of isbn 0141441143)

05/23/08

bookshelves: books-that-thrill-my-girlish-heart, classics-i-have-read

Read in May, 2008

recommended to Kathryn by: lots of people!!!

An absolutely beautiful story that deserves all the praise that has been heaped upon it. For me to attempt to write a review would demean the brilliance of the work. Thoughtful, heart-full, tender, fierce--this is a work of great scope. Jane is one of the most interesting characters I've "met" and Mr. Rochester should not be missed! So, let me just say to anyone who was reluctant to read this, as I had been, due to the dreary-ness of the beginning to keep with it! Jane did not giv...more

Like this review? yes (3 people liked it)

11 comments

Peter rated it:

(review of isbn 0140434003)

06/28/08

bookshelves: literature

Read in June, 2008

Sometimes a writer not only conjures up pleasantries we hitherto knew only in feeling but also reawakens deeper thoughts of a provocative nature. Reading Wuthering Heights some weeks ago, I felt overwhelmed by the storm of emotion and madness. Reading Jane Eyre this past week, I was drawn into a world no less emotional and fiery but one that was squarely held in check by greater judgement and clarity. I regard Jane Eyre as the greater book, like the original reviewers. Although there are app...more Sometimes a writer not only conjures up pleasantries we hitherto knew only in feeling but also reawakens deeper thoughts of a provocative nature. Reading Wuthering Heights some weeks ago, I felt overwhelmed by the storm of emotion and madness. Reading Jane Eyre this past week, I was drawn into a world no less emotional and fiery but one that was squarely held in check by greater judgement and clarity. I regard Jane Eyre as the greater book, like the original reviewers. Although there are apparent lapses in accuracy - dates clashing, and so on - on the whole I think Jane Eyre is more perfectly composed. The subject matter is more adult than that of Wuthering Heights, to be sure. Or is it that Jane Eyre was preferred because it is less disturbing than Wuthering Heights and that I am in fact prejudiced against Wuthering Heights because of personal reasons?

Let me stop for a moment and reassure anyone reading this - I did not wake up without taste and a mind this morning and I do think both books are wonderful. But the debate on which is the greater book is so famous I couldn't resist posting my own take on it.

All that aside, Jane Eyre, like Wuthering Heights, concerns a long and convoluted love affair between two people - Jane and Mr Rochester. The novel challenges class and social barriers and is in this sense actually surprisingly political. At the heart of the novel is a tale of two wounded souls who come together against all the odds flung against them by prejudice, convention, tragedy and lost souls. The language is extremely descriptive and florid and, as with Wuthering Heights, there is in fact rather a menage a trois with the third character of nature and the elements.

I'm sure all manner of swollen hyperbole has been thrown at Jane Eyre at some point or another, and I don't intend to resort to such measures. Let me just end with this sentence: if, like me, you've lived somewhat and are circuitously seeking reassurance and consolement via literature then this book may offer some solace....less

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Anna rated it:

(review of isbn 0142437204)

04/11/08

Read in January, 1993

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

I should mention that my sister-in-law is also my best friend. And we have an ongoing argument. I love Pride and Prejudice. I love everything about it. I think that Elizabeth and Darcy are the second most romantic literary couple of all time. (This is where said sister-in-law vehemently disagrees with me.)
I believe the most romantic literary couple is Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester. I love that Jane describes herself as plain and Mr. Rochester as ugly. Not only is he physically unattractiv...more

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-syl- rated it:

(review of isbn 1593081170)

04/29/08

bookshelves: fiction

Read in March, 2008

recommended to -syl- by: Dini & Erie

Jane, a courageous girl with principle. She received injustice since childhood and I think that made her character strong. A lot like me, but not the injustice part though, I mean the character ;)

At the beginning of first chapter, I found it hard to follow her story. First of all because I’m not used to reading classics literature, and it’s a bit hard to understand the language. My motivation went downhill and made me put Jane aside for a few days, checked out the DVD instead just to fi...more Jane, a courageous girl with principle. She received injustice since childhood and I think that made her character strong. A lot like me, but not the injustice part though, I mean the character ;)

At the beginning of first chapter, I found it hard to follow her story. First of all because I’m not used to reading classics literature, and it’s a bit hard to understand the language. My motivation went downhill and made me put Jane aside for a few days, checked out the DVD instead just to finish it fast, since my friend already done in a month *yes, that’s you Erie! You left me behind in that haunted room* hu hu. But then I changed my mind and returned the DVD *glad I did it*

Finally after two months, with cheers and motivations given by Dini and Erie, I finally finished it. YAY!

I found it hard to like Mr. Rochester, and the book didn’t help me understand why Jane could love him, a man who were described as a middle aged man with an ugly face (in the movie he’s not that bad looking), and an authority character who always gave commands. But watching the movie help me understand why Jane falls in love with him. Jane had no dad since she was a child, right? And that means she didn’t get a father figure in her life, plus her uncle died. She found it in Mr. Rochester, that’s why she loved him (Hmm… I could be a psychologist now)

The young Jane didn’t appreciate Mr. Rochester’s idea in making her his mistress, because at that time, bigamy was prohibited and Mr. Rochester could go into jail for doing that. But still he tried to wed Jane and ready to take the risk in order to be with her. I liked him then. I liked his courage and his great love for Jane. But when Jane ran away from him, I could understand it, too.

When she met her cousins, whom she didn't know about, I couldn't believe how relief I am, and how happy I am for her. It shows how Bronte could bring out her emotions and pour it into her book and reach my emotions when I read it. It made me gasp in horror, yell in frustration and cheer in happiness. Plus, there are meaningful conversations shared between Jane and Mr. Rochester that I like. The curious questions from Mr. Rochester and the smart reply from Jane made me smile. Well, what can I say more? I fell in love with Jane!

Jane Eyre is the first classic novel I’ve ever read. And I’m sure this won’t be the last. Already I made a list of other classic novels I want to read. I’m sure I would enjoy them as much as I enjoy Jane Eyre....less

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Shannen rated it:

(review of isbn 0142437204)

03/05/08

Read in December, 2007

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

Independent Study Keeper
Title: Jane Eyre
Author: Charlotte Bronte
Setting: Takes place in 1830 at Gateshead Hall. The politics is Ideology and the religion is Evangelical. Economics is 20,000 pounds which meant that most were middle class. Traditions include middle class women with no relatives, working as governesses, moving to house to house.
Main Characters: Jane Eyre – 18 years old, talented, empathetic, hard working, honest, and passionate. Niece of John Eyre, Uncle Reed, cousin t...more

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Demisty rated it:

(review of isbn 0451526554)

02/05/08

Read in February, 2008

recommends it for: Everyone and their Collective Mama

I don't know why I've waited so long to read Jane Eyre. I absolutely loved this book and did not want to finish reading it. The beginning was very Dickens-esh, but I though Bronte's writing was considerably better than Chuck's. The characters were not decidedly all good or all bad as in Dickens, as I soon learned, and even the supposedly evil characters were well-sculpted.

I love that Jane was not beautiful (nor is, expectantly, Charlotte!) and that Rochester wasn't handsome and that one's...more I don't know why I've waited so long to read Jane Eyre. I absolutely loved this book and did not want to finish reading it. The beginning was very Dickens-esh, but I though Bronte's writing was considerably better than Chuck's. The characters were not decidedly all good or all bad as in Dickens, as I soon learned, and even the supposedly evil characters were well-sculpted.

I love that Jane was not beautiful (nor is, expectantly, Charlotte!) and that Rochester wasn't handsome and that one's looks did not control one's manners and/or demeanors. The witty repartee was, at times, a little too much, but most times enjoyable.

What an interesting commentary on slavery, race and insanity! Yes, insanity, although I'm not sure it is parallel with the other issues assumed in that sentence. I wasn't expecting to find it here, but I think, in spite of some obvious PC problems Bronte could not have anticipated from me (or my kind, for that matter, closer to Bertha than Eyre), was for the most part handled well. At many points in the novel, I thought, "How British of you to shun the French," or "What do you really think of darker women, Miss Jane?" and in turn, of course, Miss Bronte. And other times, I thought Jane's character altruistic when she spoke of the Eastern beauties trapped in harems, responding to Rochester's jesting of "bargaining for so many tons of flesh and an assortment of black eyes":

"I'll be preparing myself to go out as a missionary to
preach liberty to them that are enslaved--your harem
inmates amongst the rest. I'll get admitted there, and
I'll stir up mutiny; and you, three-tailed bashaw [pasha,
or a military officer in Turkey and N.Africa:] as you are,
sir, shall in a trice find yourself fettered amongst our
hands: nor will I, for one, consent to your bonds till
you have signed a charter, the most liberal that despot
ever yet conferred."

Read that as you like, but I'd like to think that Jane has an abolitionist heart here and elsewhere in the novel.

It is also a very Romantic novel, dwelling in the beauty of the woods, the storms, and the sublime of life in general. Nature is as much a character in Bronte's chef-d'oeuvre as well as any Briton, West Indian or French person.

With all that said, I think there were too many liberties taken at the end of the novel with coincidences. That aspect reminded me of Dickens, again. But, there is a bitterness to the happy conclusion!...less

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Melissa rated it:

(review of isbn 0142437204)

07/23/08

bookshelves: master-s-exam

Read in July, 2008

I've reached the point where I can't remember how many times I've read Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre. But I was a little worried starting Jane Eyre this time. It's been about four years since I last read it and I've stopped exclusively reading British nineteenth century novels. I was worried that, after all this time and after shifts in my literary tastes, one of the books I commonly list as one of my favorite novels didn't really fit the description. But it did. Oh yes it did.

Why...more

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Annalisa rated it:

(review of isbn 0141441143)

12/31/07

bookshelves: classics, favorites

recommends it for: Anyone who loves strong female characters, unconventional romance, and 19th century British fiction

Jane Eyre has been one of my favorite books for a long time. I didn't put a "Date read" because I've read it four times--three on my own, and one for a great college class. I still have the paper I wrote about it (and I think it's pretty good too!)

What I most love about this book is Jane's character and her commitment to herself. Jane is as close to a feminist as a woman could get in her time, and despite her quiet manners, she holds strong convictions about love, morality,...more

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Meghan rated it:

(review of isbn 0142437204)

02/22/08

bookshelves: brit-lit, british, classics, own, rg-bookclub

Read in February, 2008

recommended to Meghan by: Michele T
recommends it for: those who like Jane Austen

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

Only read the first 4 chapters so far. All I keep thinking about is how similar this is to the story of Cinderella. I wonder if there was any influence in either story?

***

Well, I finally finished the book. I can't say I truly liked the book but there were some good moments. I liked that Jane wasn't satisfied to accept her lot just because she was a girl. I also related to her as an ordinary person who dreamt for something bigger.

I didn't like Jane though as a person. I know that's ki...more

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Gabriella rated it:

(review of isbn 0142437204)

02/22/08

Read in September, 2007

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jennifer rated it:

(review of isbn 0142437204)

06/12/07

Read in June, 2007

recommends it for: everyone, at some point in their lives

I can't help myself with this book. I was reading a scholarly introduction to the book which pointed out its many flaws--the three major settings of the book are loosely connected, the plot is sometimes over-contrived, the dialogue is absurd, and the Gothic elements loom large. And yet, I can't help but love it. Every time I read it, (and this is probably the fifth time I have read the book since I first read it early in high school), I am drawn to the characters of Jane and Rochester. I wan...more

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whichwaydidshego? rated it:

(review of isbn 0142437204)

09/03/07

bookshelves: classics, favorites, rorysbooklist, topshelf

recommends it for: Everyone

I love this book for the journey. It takes you down a great path, & precisely when you think you know the direction it is heading, you come to a hairpin turn & it take you in a completely different direction. Just when yo