Book -Jane Eyre
Author : Charlotte Brontë
My Penguin Classics edition :
XLII+578 pages (the novel itself is 512.
There are several introdctions,
and extensive notes, organised by chapter, at the end of the book. Readng them
does reveal certain plots, so I suggest reading the novel a first time without
refering to the notes)
Score : 9/10 (would've been
10 if it hadn't been for some racist comments, which were common in Brontë's
days)
Year : 1847 (not a typo!)
ISBN 0141441143
Language: English
Charlotte’s masterpiece, written
in 1846-47 and published in 1847 under her pseudonym Currer Bell is a coming of
age novel, following Jane from age 10 to her adult life. At the start of the
novel, she’s an orphan who’s both parents died several years earlier. Ever
since, she lived with her uncle, Mr Reed ; but now, he is also dead, and Sarah
Reed, his wife who hated the situation and Jane, sends her away…
Charlotte’s composition is
exquisite; the novel takes the narrative form of an older Jane Eyre recalling
her passing years. She really knew how to describe everything, from the
macrocosm, the world around Jane (landscapes…) to the microcosm that was her
environment (her homes, furniture and so forth…), and most especially, her
inner world: the emotions she was going through, in great detail. Thus, in the
beginning as she tells us of the mistreatments she had to endure, she recalls
the emotional impact of each blow, and the aftermath: her fear, her anger at
what she felt was unjust (and rightly so), her rebellion against her tormentors.
Through my reading, and caring
for Jane, I had actually developped a teeanger's crush on her ; that's how
strong an influence this novel had on me!
In Jane Eyre, Charlotte focuses
on Jane’s developing morality and spirituality told in an introspective fashion
and infuses each event with intense depth which used to be only the domain of
poetry- thus revolutionizing the art of storytelling.
Charlotte’s choices of words and
of sentences are always appropriate, and moved me, the reader, at great deal.
I can recall how I felt for Jane as I first read an abridged version of
this novel when I was 10 years old – the same as Jane herself at the early
chapters. I recall my reactions of disgust at Jane’s oppressors just like
she was. I was drawn into the story, forgetting my own plights as I wanted to
fight for her; liberate her from her miserable life.
Last year, I was very lucky to
find the unabridged version of Jane Eyre, based on the third edition, for only
2,56 €! This time around, I read this novel again, but for the first time as an
adult, and in full! What a joy! Also, this time around, my English was much
stronger and I could finally understand parts I had totally missed as a kid.
This time around, Charlotte reminded me from beyond her grave why I was a
pro-feminist, and why Jane had always been a personal heroine!
Last year, I didn’t have a blog ;
I used to post critiques on Facebook but for some odd reason which eludes me, I
hadn’t even composed my critique of this Chef d’oeuvre, so I decided to re-read
it in order to recall everything and finally compose this post.
Jane Eyre treats with several
themes:
- Morality, Religion and God-
which must be placed in their mid-19th century England
context, as it was quite controversial to profess a more liberal
form Christianity, without the dogmas and doctrines ; what I’d call ‘’religion
on a diet’’. Charlotte professes throughout the novel a more universal
belief system – though she doesn’t completely cut away into atheism, it
can be understood why, in her context. She uses contrast between several
characters to portray all grey (and not-so-grey) facets to illustrate her
viewpoints – and her own search for the middle way.
- As a direct continuation to
her viewpoints on religion, we are also addressed to those regarding
atonement and forgiveness; can an absolute hatred be resolved and forgiven?
What boundaries to set for such a forgiveness; is everything forgivable or
are there actions/words so wounding that they are unforgiveable?
- Classism and discrimination
based on it are also quite present, and also depicted as an eternal search
for equilibrium; Jane wishes to be equal, yet she is also, sometimes,
guilty of it herself.
- Gender relations and
feminism: this appears mostly in later chapters, once the narration brings
Jane to her early adulthood. Just like Charlotte had difficulties even to
be published, having to use a pseudonym which could be seen a male
writer’s name, she infused her battle for equality between the genders in
her depiction of several men who try to keep Jane under their thumb and
control her every move, thus offering her opposing viewpoints to Victorian
stereotypes about women. Let me remind you again that Jane Eyre was first
published in October 1847…
- Love, passion, and
everything in between: Jane struggles throughout the novel to find
stability between two opposing waves. Where does lie a reasonable and
reasoned intermediate position in such an internalized clash? I have
always admired Charlotte’s ability to tell of the inner battles Jane went
through.
- The quest for safety and a
place to call home: when can Jane find solace and comfort enough to
sustain her soul and body?
Jane Eyre has been published
numerous times and rightly considered one of the greatest feminist, coming of
age novels and which I enjoy immensely, savoring its delightful composition. I
cannot stress how much I suggest reading it – preferably in its original
English and not a translated one. Off course, some of my friends read it in
French and loved it, already, but there is much loss in translation…
----
Jane... in the media
It has been adapted over a
couple dozen times to movies and mini-series since 1910 - and in quite a
disparity of quality and faightfulness. it's hard to incororate the entire
story, especially in under 2 hours for most adaptations. As far as I
know, Franco Zeffirelli's movie from 1996 is regarded as one
of the best, but I haven't seen it yet. I shall post about each adaptation that
I watch in separate entries.
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