... I see Jane Eyre very much like a biography of her life at times, and absolutely fascinating to think that maybe, Charlotte wrote it from real experiences. I know that the school that Jane attends (Lowood) is based on the school her sisters attended – which ended their lives, but is any ... Read review
...in her ways. I see Jane Eyre very much like a biography of her life at times, and absolutely fascinating to think that maybe, Charlotte wrote it from real experiences. I know that the school that Jane attends (Lowood) is based on the school her sisters attended – which ended their lives, but is any of it fiction? When it was first released in 1847 many people thought it was a biography under the name of the editor it was published (Curer Bell, ... ...ways, and beliefs. Charlotte, like Jane was never that religious, but had the fact that “God is the World” shoved down her throat by her Father (who was a vicar). Her reluctance to love her “God” and worship him like a fool is very interesting to read, and I can’t help seeing the likenesses.
♠♦ Jane Eyre ♠♦
Jane Eyre follows the life of a young woman ... more
It’s an understatement to say that Charlotte Bronte was bossy and immediate in her ways. I see Jane Eyre very much like a biography of her life at times, and absolutely fascinating to think that maybe, Charlotte wrote it from real experiences. I know that the school that Jane attends (Lowood) is based on the school her sisters attended – which ended their lives, but is any of it fiction? When it was first released in 1847 many people thought it was a biography under the name of the editor it was published (Curer Bell, Charlotte’s “disguise” as a writer). Jane and Charlotte, from what I’ve read are very alike in their ways, and beliefs. Charlotte, like Jane was never that religious, but had the fact that “God is the World” shoved down her throat by her Father (who was a vicar). Her reluctance to love her “God” and worship him like a fool is very interesting to read, and I can’t help seeing the likenesses.
♠♦ Jane Eyre ♠♦
Jane Eyre follows the life of a young woman who was never really wanted by anyone. Her Mother and Father died at a young age, and was then sent to live with her Uncle. After Jane had settled as an orphan, her Uncle died. Her life was once again in pieces, and she wasn’t even eight, yet. Jane then ahs to live under Aunt Reed’s rules, which aren’t fair. Jane is more like a slave to her blood relatives than family, and is treated with no respect, and is made sure that she knows her place in the household. This is where the story starts off, and we find out the whole story in bits and drabs through reading the first chapter.
Jane has a somewhat tragic life; and at only ten there is much more to come. You don’t really need to know much more about Jane Eyre to actually enjoy it, because, like most classics, especially from the Bronte’s, the plot is long-winded and full of twists and turns. Unlike most of the classics around that time – excluding Dickens’ – Jane Eyre didn’t lead a middle-class lifestyle, but was made to lead a working class lifestyle. This wouldn’t have been bad for her, but she had to watch as her blood relatives lived the almost upper-class lifestyle, and she had to wear the dull clothes that were passed down from Georgina (one of her cousins, Aunt Reed’s daughter).
Jane Eyre’s life is full of adventure but not in a good way. You can sometimes relate to Jane in many ways, in her childhood. You believed you were so badly done to, and Jane is an example to us all. She shows us that self-pity doesn’t solve anything, especially if we haven’t had that much done to us. Jane Eyre is full of lessons that I think are vital for anyone to read and absorb. She teaches you so much through the book, and never looses your attention at any stage. It certainly is a page-turner.
♠♦My Views ♠♦
Being a big fan of the Bronte sisters I knew that I’d really enjoy Jane Eyre. Not only are their writing techniques really similar, but also they’re producing of characters are very alike too. Although Emily is that bit darker, and more gothic, and Jane is a bit more optimistic towards life, their characters all have bad times. Emily has more than one main character throughout her book, whereas Charlotte has chose Jane to be the main character, and remain that throughout the book. Although Emily writes in first person, the story is put from a few people’s point of view, whereas Charlotte is much tidier, and sticks to Jane telling the story throughout. I think this reflects their personalities a lot. They were extremely different – Emily not one to stick to the rules but run off to a world of her own. Whereas, Charlotte on the other hand was much more grounded and stuck to the rules. You could say the same about Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights in the respect of literature.
Jane’s relationship with Rochester is one that has always been remembered. I hate it when Jane Eyre gets described as a “passionate tale”, because I just don’t see it like that at all. Jane doesn’t meet Rochester until way into the novel, and doesn’t start a relationship with him for a long while. And even when that does start the relationship is complicated and the two are too frustrated to enjoy the love they share. I find Jane Eyre more of an enjoyable fairy tale story. Because, really, Jane Eyre is very much the princess finding her prince, with a few difficulties along the way.
It’s obvious that Rochester is attracted to Jane when he meets her. Although he’s 20 years her senior, and she are merely eighteen, there’s an instant attraction on both sides. She’s worried to commit to a man. Because no one, properly, apart from her Uncle has ever loved Jane. And the first person she became close to – Helen Burns, a friend she made in Lowood School – died young. I can’t help thinking that Jane is so worried about starting a relationship because of her losses in her life. Her Mother, Father, Uncle and Helen. The only people who ever loved her were taken away from her. Does she think the same will happen to Rochester? I’ve always thought Jane wasn’t not interested, but more scared, than anything else.
Charlotte Bronte, whilst in Brussels studying French in the early 1840’s fell in love with her Professor. Although The Professor – one of Charlotte’s other novels – is mostly based on that experience, Jane Eyre also touches on the subject. Charlotte and Jane – again have a similarity – in the way they fall in love but are scared to commit. There are obstacles blocking their way to find love. What wasn’t in the book, though, that actually did happen to Charlotte was the rejection of her love. The fact that her love wasn’t returned, and that she was left with a broken heart, whereas Jane found her love, and he returned it, passing the obstacles with difficulty, but still managing to succeed.
I can’t say that I prefer Jane Eyre to Wuthering Heights, and that isn’t because of the writing – because I find them very alike in that department – but because of the love experiences. To me, Wuthering Heights was more realistic about love, and it’s difficulties. Not only love of a sexual nature, but of an emotional nature. Whereas Wuthering Heights was a love story, I found Jane Eyre more like a story with love elements in parts. Jane and Rochester’s relationship seemed a bit far-fetched at times, compared to the relationships in Wuthering Heights (although many disagree, and think it’s vice-versa!) and that Jane was more a fragment of Charlotte’s imagination of how she wanted to be. I’m not saying this is a bad thing, because that’s what fiction and literature is all about. I just felt that Wuthering Heights was that bit more personal than Jane Eyre.
Jane Eyre is a good influence to anyone who’s gone through bad times, to show that you can get through him or her, easily, just like her. Jane Eyre is a book you can never bore of, and you really can read it several times, and enjoy, and appreciate it more and more each time. Even though I’ve made out a bit in this review it’s bad, by giving some serious criticisms, it’s not at all. Anything compared to the great work of Charlotte’s sister – Emily – is certainly going to loose in my eyes, no matter what. Jane Eyre would certainly crop up on my top ten favourite books of all time, and it certainly deserves to be on the Big Read final.
Jane Eyre is one of the books everyone needs to experience in their lives. It’s wonderfully written, had a great, a happy ending and a real lesson in it. Charlotte received better press for Jane Eyre, than either of her sisters. Emily received awful press, and Wuthering Heights was classes as the “worst book ever written”. Again, I think this is because Emily sort of broke the rules, and Charlotte stuck to them. So, give it a go, and appreciate it for what it is. I loved it. It’s still no Wuthering Heights, though!
[Bronte Fact: Emily Bronte had completed her second novel before her death, and after her death her publisher wrote to Charlotte, and asked her to forward on the copy of the book (the only copy). Charlotte, upset that her dead sister would receive more bad press for her second novel than her first, threw it on the fire, to save her from hurting further. Just think, there could’ve been a second Emily Bronte novel. Was it jealousy or love of a sister? I’ll go with love of a sister!]
Advantages: Excellently written Disadvantages: None
As a bildungsroman, Jane Eyre follows the journey of its heroine's development from youth to intellectual maturity. As the novel progresses the theme of religion is one that takes a strong hold on Jane herself. In order to analyse the question, one must differentiate between Paganism and Christianity. The simple difference is that Paganism believes in a variety of Gods, each controlling a different aspect of life. Although Pagans deem their God's ... ...Gods.
Throughout the novel, Jane struggles to find a right balance between the Christian faith and her attentions to nature and Paganism. Throughout Jane's experiences at Lowood, and even just before she is admitted there, she tells the reader, in passing, about the frequency of religion in the Institution. While she is still in the care of Mrs. Reed, she first meets Mr. Brocklehurst. In her conversation with him, he asks her many questions about ...
sa.fraser 25.10.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
Advantages: Fantastic story, great characters Disadvantages: none
...but on October 19th 1847 Jane Eyre was published under the pseudonym Currer Bell and achieved immediate success. In the December Wuthering Heights by Emily and Agnes Grey by Anne were also published.
In 1848 Branwell died soon followed by Emily, and less than six months later in 1849 Anne also died. Charlotte went on to publish Shirley in 1849 and Villette in 1853 both again under the pseudonym of Currer Bell. In 1851 Charlotte refused a proposal ... ...~The Book~
Jane Eyre is an orphan, living with relatives she really cannot stand and obviously do not like her, Jane narrates the story herself and it starts with her being packed off to Boarding School. Sound familiar - JK Rowling possibly took inspiration from this for her character Harry Potter but the similarity between the two characters ends here. This book is set in the 18th Century and unlike Harry she hated school more than she hated home. ...
rachelkanga 25.02.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
Advantages: A great classic, good plot, wonderful characters, happy ending Disadvantages: A little melodramatic in places, could be considered old-fashioned
...her home.
At school, Jane does her best to learn, but finds the rules oppressive. She meets Helen, a delightful but fragile girl, who shows her the first love and friendship she has ever experienced. She comes up against unpleasantness too, but shows her strength of character by her determination, and eventually becomes a mature and trusted pupil. Since her relatives don't want her back (and she has no wish to see them again, anyway) she applies ... ...bad-tempered Mr Rochester. Jane is immediately attracted to Mr Rochester, but has no serious thoughts of romance since he is from a different class, is considerably older than her, and is surrounded by attractive women, one of whom he is apparently betrothed to. Nevertheless they enjoy some cosy evenings together, discussing everything under the sun, and developing a pleasant friendship. However Mr Rochester has a dreadful secret, one which is hinted ...
Kukana 24.08.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
Advantages: Mr. Rochester, good old-fashioned romance Disadvantages: Part of the plot turns horribly coincidental
...That's what I love about Jane Eyre: it is very readable and easy to understand, while still being a little challenging and a brilliant novel. I first read this when I was thirteen and still enjoy it immensely. I was surprised when I read other reviews here who thought it would be too hard for younger people/children, as I find it to be the most accessible Bronte novel and one of the most accessible 19th Century novels. And there's a lot in it for ... ...that the novel is called Jane Eyre and everything, but Mr. Rochester is my favourite character and the most interesting. He doesn't follow the standard formula for 19th Century romantic heroes: he is wealthy and Jane doesn't think he's very handsome and he has a bad temper, but he also possesses a kind of 'rugged charm'.
He is surprisingly 'modern' for a 19th Century character too; he takes care of Adele, the orphan of a French singer who he once ...
DoubleFantasy11 24.08.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
Advantages: brilliantly written, characters brought to life, easy read Disadvantages: youre left wanting to no more!
...never happened to me with Jane Eyre and so had no prevvious meeting with the book and so 2 years later at 18, I decided it was time for me to get to grips with these famous books!
I picked Jane Eyre by chance. I had been reading the Princess Diaries series(! lol) and some of the characters had been mentioned in these books and so when I went to the bookshop, decided to start with Jane Eyre!
In the past when I had tried to read classics before, ... ...had no such problem with Jane Eyre! It is very easy to read and there is something happening from the very beginning all through the book that grips you straight away and leaves you wanting to know more.
The books starts out with Jane as a child living with her aunt and her children. You really warm to Jane here as she struggles with her relatives apparent complete dislike of her and her struggles growing up in this environment. Things seem no easier ...
em18 16.02.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
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Advantages: Fantastic characters, shows Bronte's ability to the optimum Disadvantages: Won't appeal to those who don't like this type of classic
It's a credit to a book and it's author when you can read it, re-read it, write a long essay for A level coursework on it and still love it. While people tend to see JaneEyre as CharlotteBronte's masterpiece, I think that this is a better novel, a better story and shows what a talented write Charlotte is. It's a shame I could only give it 5 stars - it's worth more.
What struck me most is the feminism in this novel, especially when the independent Shirley is contrasted with Caroline, who worries about becoming an old maid. It's vital to remember that Charlotte was writing in one of the most anti-feminist eras of history and that even the relatively-mild JaneEyre was criticised for having a female character with strong emotion and opinions. Shirley is a free spirit who acts like a boy because her parents 'gave me a boy's name' (hard ...
Advantages: Insights into the true characters of Emily and Anne Bronte Disadvantages: Not an easy read
"Shirley" by CharlotteBronte.
Penguin Classics. ISBN 0-14-043095-4
This is a gem of a book, written just after JaneEyre and set in the time of the Napoleonic Wars, it is one of CharlotteBronte's best.
It follows the fortunes of two women Caroline Helstone and Shirley Keeldar and their involvement with the Moore brothers. These relationships are set against the politics of England and the Continent at the time of the Luddite uprisings and Napoleonic wars respectively. In that respect Shirley has a farther reach as a novel than some of CharlotteBronte's other more personal novels such as JaneEyre.
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Advantages: Just a wonderful, fantastic little book Disadvantages: Absolutly none
'Wide Sargasso Sea'
By
Jean Rhys
(With thanks to CharlotteBronte)
I realised that in several recent book reviews about sequels to classic books, I had mentioned this book, 'The Wide Sargasso Sea'.
This is actually a prequel rather than a sequel. It is a prequel to CharlotteBronte's immortal 'JaneEyre'.
So I dug out my copy and reread the book to be able to write a review on it with fresh eyes.
Jean Rhys was a Creole writer
But just what is a 'Creole'?
Creole is the name given to a European who was born or lived in the West Indies; while they were educated to think of England as "home," they were also racially marked and excluded as inferior colonials. At the same time, they were racially and institutionally privileged in relation to the African people who existed as slaves ...
