Book Discussion: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Originally posted by: zephyr29

Its been years since I read and even re-read Jane Eyre so don't remember details but I remember Jane being one of my favorite heroines of that time. It was a very bold portrayal back then of no-nonsense, rebellious back-answering female, a quality which was generally frowned upon. I guess that's what caught the attention of Rochester, finally a female who wasn't intimidated by him and could counter his verbal attacks and disdain.

I do remember the start of the final chapter though, "Reader, I married him" 😆. It was so direct keeping with her character which is also one of the most memorable lines in literature as well.

Originally posted by: city-musings

Jane was epic. There are very few female protagonists that I really enjoy reading, seems like I've an issue with pathetic, sloppy female lead. But boy! Jane is one of my favorite heroines really.

Originally posted by: city-musings

I enjoyed the book very much. It is worthy of the epithet 'classic'. Although I knew a little of the story I did not realise there was so much more in it. For instance I didn't know it started off during the main characters childhood. Jane Eyre was a very likeable character, always interesting, never bland. When shown coldness and disdain she learned to rebel and hate; later when shown the example of forgiveness (by her first friend Helen Burns) she learns patience and compassion for others. She grows into a sensible young woman who nevertheless has a wild streak that yearns for freedom. I found the plot meaty and it never flagged for me.

I thought Mr Rochester was a very silly man, also quite selfish and devious. He only ever saw his own wants. In a way he was a large child who had never grown up and faced his responsibilities. I almost laughed at his attempt to 'explain' to Jane after his scheme was rumbled that he considered himself free to marry in his own mind . In his self delusion he was almost as mad as his wife.

Well that was quite of it! Also one thing that I found interesting was that the language had started to change a little more towards the modern when compared to Jane Austen who was writing about 1805. 😆

Originally posted by: city-musings

Even though parts of it were rather dry, I love this book. I plan to re-read it very soon, I'll probably purchase a hardback. 😆 The dialogue between Eyre and Rochester amused me. I do need to read Wuthering Heights at some point.