Jane Eyre

[Lisa]

From the 50

[Sophie]

I nominated Jane Eyre because I've been reading it since February. The reason it's taking me so long is because I keep getting distracted by other books. I'm hoping to finish it this month, we'll see how that goes though.

I'm currently up to the part where (view spoiler)[Jane is working as Adele's tutor and she has just met Mr Rochester. (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa]

This is my all time favorite, have so many opinions. Waiting for you Sophie.

[Karlyne]

I love it, too, so keep reading, Sophie!

[Buck]

On Lisa's recommendation and encouragement, I read Jane Eyre about a year and a half ago. It's quite good, but I wouldn't say it's one of my very favorites. I'm not a great fan of Victorian novels.

I just read The Museum of Extraordinary Things by Alice Hoffman in which Jane Eyre is one of the few novels the lead character has read. She identifies strongly with Jane Eyre and doesn't hold Rochester in high regard. She empathizes with Rochester's first wife.

[Karlyne]

Buck wrote: "On Lisa's recommendation and encouragement, I read Jane Eyre about a year and a half ago. It's quite good, but I wouldn't say it's one of my very favorites. I'm not a great fan of Victorian novel..."

Alice Hoffman is an author I'd forgotten about. I liked Practical Magic, I do remember, but I can't remember any of her other books. Oh, to have a razor-sharp memory again (haha)...

[Longhare]

Buck wrote: "She identifies strongly with Jane Eyre and doesn't hold Rochester in high regard. She empathizes with Rochester's first wife...."

I think a lot of people feel that way. Always fun to follow up with The Wide Sargasso Sea, Jean Rhys' take on poor Bertha and the despicable Rochester.

[Lisa]

I've read two books by Hoffman, but not that one Buck, will definitely check it out. Will also look at the Wild Saragosa Sea Longhare. Another book which relies on Jane Eyre as a gothic setting is The Thirteenth Tale, it draws from several Victorian works.

(view spoiler)[I really feel sorry for Rochester, in my studies I read a book about the history of psychiatry, before the mid 1900's options for treatment were so limited. Asylums were truly hell holes and often relatives kept mentally ill family caged in at home as they cared for them better. Rochester's options for caring for his wife were limited. Obviously, his subsequent decisions involving Jane are questionable, but I can understand him trying to seize happiness. He is flawed, quite a contrast to most romantic heroes. (hide spoiler)]

For me, the prose is sensual, Bronte packs so much emotion into her characters. Her themes of morality, feminism and identity are so well expressed.

[Lisa]

Would anyone like to nominate one of the aforementioned books as a group read for next month? Continue a very interesting conversation?

[Karlyne]

I'd like to re-read The Thirteenth Tale, and, since I own it, it'd be an easy one! I've always wanted to read The Wide Sargasso Sea, but it's not one I've come across. If we have enough lead-time I might be able to pick up a copy!

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*]

I'm not sure if I will get to this one this month - need to finish the slow going 'The Sun also Rises' and then 'The Great Gatsby.' If finish those in time will join in on this one.

[Karlyne]

Erin (Paperback stash) *is juggle-reading* wrote: "I'm not sure if I will get to this one this month - need to finish the slow going 'The Sun also Rises' and then 'The Great Gatsby.' If finish those in time will join in on this one."

I read The Sun Also Rises about a million years ago and don't remember it! (also, The Great Gatsby, but I do remember a bit of it. I think.)

[Sophie]

I've now downloaded the audiobook for this book as I was having trouble focusing on it. I must say my enjoyment levels have increased since I started listening. I like the narrator (Wanda McCaddon) and it's much easier to listen to this while doing other jobs.

(view spoiler)[I've just passed the part where Mr. Rochester proposes to Jane and she says yes. I am enjoying it so far, but not loving it. (hide spoiler)]

[Megan]

I've read both Jane Eyre and The Great Gatsby multiple times and both are terrific. I have college essays written on both but I won't bore y'all with them. I'll try to get Middlesex in before the end of the month, though. It's been on my "to-read" list since it was published!

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*]

Karlyne wrote: "Erin (Paperback stash) *is juggle-reading* wrote: "I'm not sure if I will get to this one this month - need to finish the slow going 'The Sun also Rises' and then 'The Great Gatsby.' If finish thos..."

I can see why you forgot The Sun also rises. Despite my fellow readers raving reviews, I'm not impressed so far.

[Karlyne]

Erin (Paperback stash) *is juggle-reading* wrote: "Karlyne wrote: "Erin (Paperback stash) *is juggle-reading* wrote: "I'm not sure if I will get to this one this month - need to finish the slow going 'The Sun also Rises' and then 'The Great Gatsby...."

Unless it falls into my lap, I think I won't re-read it!

[Sophie]

I finished this and gave it 3 stars. I loved parts of it and reading the reviews I agree with a lot of the points people have made. However when it comes down to it I'm rating this on how much I enjoyed it and I simply do not think it's going to stick with me. Sorry guys!

[Proxima]

I love Jane Eyre! I havent read many books in my lifetime, but its definitely one of my favourites.

[Himaja]

Jane Eyre is such a kick-butt protagonist, she has such quiet strength. I had to read this book for school but that definitely didn't take the magic out of it!

[Karlyne]

Kelly wrote: "*Spoiler Alert*I have read many comments here and elsewhere of readers censuring Rochester. I have great sympathy for him. He is tricked into marrying an insane woman, and barred from ever having a..."

I just read Wide Sargasso Sea, which is the Jean Rhys "prequel" to Jane Eyre and tells the story of Bertha from both her own eyes and Rochester's. I really didn't care for it, and I think it's because it reminded me more of Wuthering Heights than Jane Eyre, more Emily Bronte than Charlotte.

Anyhow, it didn't give me a better opinion of Rochester, since he just comes across as someone who can't make up his own mind. And that's my only real complaint about him - he refuses to give Jane a chance to make up her own mind about her own life. He's tricking her, just as he was tricked. I understand the why of it, and the reality that, of course, she will leave him, but the dishonesty of it really bugs me! I think he's a very real character, a little bit of good and a little bit of bad, and I think a whole lot of people would behave exactly as he's done, but Bronte has hit on the one character flaw I personally really hate.

I agree, too, that it is heart-breaking. There really was no solution to the problem of their love!

[Carol]

I'm just starting Jane Eyre now. Boy is it depressing. It is so sad to believe that people could be sooooo cruel to a child. I just want to throttle these people. I'm only up to the part where she is being sent off to the school.

[Siarhei]

Carol, I am about the end, would be glad to discuss it! I mostly enjoy the reading.

[Brit]

Jane Eyre is probably my favorite novel. I agree her childhood is grim and her Lowood school days likewise. But this part of the story lays the foundation for her character and helps us understand the inner strength she show later.

[Siarhei]

Brit, aren't you kidding. I regret my good words about the book. How do you stand to read about this religious non-sense? I'm three chapters from the end.

The childhood in Gateshead and Lowood is much more interesting, then her actions as an adult. Why not to finish the book with a life of governess? Then it would an interesting romance. Maybe, a life as teacher would make me realistic. But all the non-sense, with a fortuane, uncle, new cousins, it's too much?!

Jane, in last chapters, learn St. John. He opens up himself, though through Jane's reflections. I don't like him. Maybe, for Jane being a pratogonist, I'm inclined to see him as a cold, hard missionary.

[spolier]
Though, plot develops quite unexpetedly, yet unbelievably. She doesn't love Mr. Rochester, then looks like his jealousy scheme takes place, Jane experience affection. Then, she horror-like scenes with a lunatic. I was frightened, really! And now she is departing, having they spent a great evening in trying to understand each other, to play with emotions, to show who is genius of morality, yet not to forget to pity the fallen ones.
Those few days of forlorn wandering was difficult to read, she is suffreing a lot, looks like by chance and because of impulse-driven intentions.

The contrast between Mr. Rochester and St. John, is it of importance to novel's plot? Nah, better this way. Did you get something out of it? Don't you find like two different plots? Jane changes her mind quit rapidly, between chapters. Yet with a scene it may be consistent.

[Shay]

I have yet to finish Jane Eyre. When Jane left (view spoiler)[after finding out about the wife (hide spoiler)] I lost interest and it has been so hard to get back into it. I am determined to finish it this year though.

[Brit]

Siarhei wrote: "Brit, aren't you kidding. I regret my good words about the book. How do you stand to read about this religious non-sense? I'm three chapters from the end.

The childhood in Gateshead and Lowood is ..."

I have learned that the keys to a good book lies in the introduction and it is worthwhile paying attention to it. I will agree the story of Jane Eyre is far fetched, but it is darn good literature. What I see in Jane Eyre is a women of great strength. Where did that come from? She could stand up to Mr. Rochester from day one. She obliged him, but there was no brown-nosing. She had the capability to freely forgive Mrs. Reed. She could also face St. John and while indebted to him, still stand up for herself. That takes character.

This character is formed prior to her arrival at Thornfield. Her friend Helen Burns had an enormous influence on Jane. And yes, the religious portion is important also. We should not make the mistake of assuming every religious sentiment represents what Charlotte Bronte or Jane Eyre believed. Some of it is there for contrast, which I believe is the case for both Mr. Brocklehurst and St. John views. It is more Helen Burn that shapes Jane Eyre's views. Helen lived her life in view of an eternal hope in heaven and a faith in God and so did Jane.

[Siarhei]

Brit, I see Jane Eyre is a strong woman indeed. Do you know, where her power comes from? I don't think it's Helen either Lowood. She never explains her point of view. To me, I feel like directed to dogmas, when I'm searching for the source of her strength. What do you think?

[spoiler]
Are there any proofs, that Jane believed in God, so that to accept being a wife of St. John, and follow him to Aisa? I've stoped at the moment, when she finally accepts his proposal. But the end is yet to be read tomorrow.

[Carol]

SPOILER wow! I'm only up to the part where Helen died. I'm skimming your comments. I saw the movie but I realize the movie doesn't cover everything. I don't remember any religious stuff in the movie either.

When I read these old books I have to remember that they were written in a very different time and culture. I think you are right Brit that the childhood helped mold her. Also some people are born with a strong temperament. I think she was analytical from the start and instinctively recognized ill treatment when she saw it. Some people would assume that if they were being treated badly as a child, they deserved it, i.e., that they were "bad.". I think she recognizes that the adults are at fault.

Obviously the Bible is one of the books on the list because it does heavily influence western culture. If we were reading books written by chinese or hindu authors, we'd be reading about buddha and hindu gods and how their cultures altered their behavior in light of what they had been taught. It is what it is. I get more worked up by the treatment of children and women in this time frame. Women had no choices. Children were property. and then the class system? oy!

[Carol]

I agree with you Brit about the contrast between Helen and Brockhurst. What a jerk! He uses religion to have power and control whereas Helen used it to have hope and to endure what was dealt her. I don't think I've met St. John yet. I'll have to read up on Charlotte Bronte's beliefs but I imagine that in that time, everyone believed. I don't think it was much of an option. You were a "christian" of some variety and an englishman. And if you didn't believe, you still went along with the holiday traditions and the religion's morals. But it is an interesting point that Dickens and the Brontes and people of this era always seem to have a Brockhurst character. So they either include them to mock religion or to show false believers/hypocrites.

[Carol]

So I'm contradicting myself a little but I imagine there were plenty of people who didn't really take to religious sentiment, but you had to attend church and nod in agreement with others who spoke of it, or society would look askance at you....sort of how we would view someone who believes the earth is flat. If you wanted to get ahead in society, people had to know that you believed in God. This is why some sociologists believe that the purpose of religion is to keep a society stable. For Helen, I believe she did have a heartfelt belief that kept her from becoming bitter. Whether that works for us or not is a different question. It worked for her as it does for many people today in all sorts of religion or psychology. I'll keep reading and see if I get tired of the religious stuff if it continues! But I'm glad there are still people out there reading Jane Eyre. For me, Wuthering Heights is next!

[Carol]

But I have also picked up "Wide Sargasso Sea" which is the prequel. I may quickly read that next. But for now, I'm only about 15% into Jane Eyre!

[Brit]

Carol wrote: "So I'm contradicting myself a little but I imagine there were plenty of people who didn't really take to religious sentiment, but you had to attend church and nod in agreement with others who spoke..."

I don't think you are contracting yourself. What we are dealing with is a shared Christian value system. That does not require that all are believing Christians. Some were, and some were not. By the way, Charlotte Brontë's father was an Irish Anglican clergyman.

Carol wrote: "I think you are right Brit that the childhood helped mold her. Also some people are born with a strong temperament. I think she was analytical from the start and instinctively recognized ill treatment when she saw it."

When I watched the Jane Eyre adaptations, I always wondered why she could speak to Mr. Rochester the way she did. She was never scared of speaking her mind, did not seem to shrink back from his brusk manners. I think the answer to that is found in the combination of her strong temperament, her childhood and Lowood experiences (good and bad) and the influence Helen Burns and her teacher and friend Miss Temple. This is almost entirely omitted in the adaptations.

BTW, I love the dialogue between Mr. Rochester and Jane Eyre. It is such rich prose.

[Carol]

I haven't gotten to Mr. Rochester's yet but I think I'm headed there now. She is wrapping up eight years of being at the school. I agree with all the influences you note. Plus, she had to learn to be independent to survive....and that includes independent thought. I'll look for her standing up to Mr. Rochester. I remember so little about the recent movie.

[Carol]

and thank God there was a Miss Temple in her life. It is odd that Miss Temple could be kind to children but the maids at her Aunt's and Mrs. Reed were jerks.

[Siarhei]

SPOILER

Brit, I like that scene too. I think it is not actually strength of Jane's character that is amazing. You would rather follow her thoughts. From the beginning she seems quickly take certain position - to break with him. But have you noticed her being straightforward and restrained? It is even hidden from herself, when author shows her thoughts, I see her very epxerienced, she takes into consideration pleadings of Mr. Rochester, then she rejects them, at such a moments her person objectively most of time reclaims original decision. It is very mature behaviour, and resembles very broad mind. But, I repeat, we are not presented with a source of that. Nor Jane niether Bronte don't explain that. Yes, her preceeding life has been shown. Yet, all the conclusion upon this character are left to the reader.

I've not read books of such a style, and It is unusual reading experience to me.

[Carol]

Hi Siarhei, what kind of books do you read?

Spoiler:
I'm at the point where she has just gotten to Thornfeld or whatever it is called. She has met everyone but Rochester. I am listening to it which makes it very interesting to hear the narrator's interpretation of it. I look forward to hearing the interpretation of her conversations with Rochester.

[Siarhei]

Carol, I read everything, without any special preferences. Jane Eyre is finished, and I'm choosing another one from 50-books list. I've taken Frankenstein.