Jane Eyre in Classics Without All the Class

Apr 13, 2011 Ebster Davis rated it really liked it

I think it's easy for readers to put Jane on a pedestal (I'm guilty of this). But when we reduce her to "a kick-ass female hero" I think it can kind of undermine the journey she's on. She doesn't start out "a kick-ass", she starts out a needy little kid. And she ends up (spoiler alert) a humble, doting housewife (end spoiler). So what is her journey really about? Well, to me a lot of the story is about a personal search for belonging and fulfillment. And that ultimately fulfillment is found thro I think it's easy for readers to put Jane on a pedestal (I'm guilty of this). But when we reduce her to "a kick-ass female hero" I think it can kind of undermine the journey she's on. She doesn't start out "a kick-ass", she starts out a needy little kid. And she ends up (spoiler alert) a humble, doting housewife (end spoiler). So what is her journey really about? Well, to me a lot of the story is about a personal search for belonging and fulfillment. And that ultimately fulfillment is found through the giving of self
(e.g Inheriting a lot of money doesn't make Jane happy, but giving it away makes her happy.)
And more importantly the giving of self without the compromising of self. Which, it turns out, is quite a delicate balance.

A lot of stuff in this story is the product of it's time: like Jane being really superstitious and the thing where she judges people's character by looking at the shape of their head, or the fact that everyone thinks it's totally understandable for a guy to lock his wife in the attic for TEN years!

I don't know if it's just because I've been reading older stories, but despite the victorian references, the language in this one seemed really accessible. Jane is so articulate, even when she doesn't understand her feelings completely. It really puts you in her shoes, and it's really easy to sympathize with her even when she does something really wacky because you understand the frame of mind she was in when she makes these decisions.

I loved the romance between Ed and Jane; it has a reputation for being really angsty, but I thought it was funny to see how witty they both could be when they're together. I also really liked that Ms. Bronte, C doesn't do the "romantic love with redeem you" thing. Mr Rochester wants to be a better person before he meets Jane, and even though Jane gives him an excellent example of the type of person he'd like to become, his hot blood actually gets in the way of that goal. (I can just imagine Charlotte and Emily sitting in a room talking about this stuff.)

My favorite part of the story is when Jane finds her family. The thought that you can hold a dear place in someone's heart, even if you've never met them was very touching. I also really enjoyed Jane and Senjin's relationship, I think in some ways they're really similar people, but they make these really different choices in life and don't always agree. The fact that they stayed close despite all the (literal and figurative) distance between them is really meaningful to me.

I'd like to thank Elizabeth Klett, and the team at Libravox, for allowing me access to this delightful story. ...more

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Jun 18, 2009 Kathleen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: my-favorites

This is one I return to every few years. It really is a chick book, but some days you just need to escape to that time and walk the heath with Jane. This book opened my eyes to new worlds when I was a child.

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Aug 29, 2009 Margaret rated it did not like it

UGH! I really had to push myself through this book. I know it is a classic, but so dreary, and I never could empathize with any of the characters. Sorry...no good recommendation from me.

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Jul 24, 2009 Beth rated it it was amazing

My favorite classic. Stayed up until 3AM to finish.

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Feb 02, 2010 Shea rated it it was amazing

Shelves: pages-and-popcorn, classics-challenge, historical-romance

A great story with a constantly developing central character, romance, and mystery; what more could you ask for? I am so glad I picked this as one of my classics for 2010.

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