Jane Eyre (Penguin Classics) | Charlotte Brontë | "I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a...

Jane Eyre (Penguin Classics) | Charlotte Brontë | Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre" is a beloved novel of a governess's life and love

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Jane Eyre (Penguin...

	Jane Eyre (Penguin Classics) Charlotte Brontë Penguin Classics, 2006 - 624 pages average customer review:based on 34 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

"I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being with an independent will." - Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre

Charlotte Bronte's Gothic romance novel which was written over 170 years ago, in 1847, is deservingly a classic of English literature. "Jane Eyre" has been one of my most beloved books since I was an 11-years-old girl and the friend of mine gave it to me with the words, "This book is amazing" and so it was. I have read it dozens of times and I am still not tired of it. Its language is beautiful - refined, fragrant, and surprisingly fresh. The dialogs and descriptions are memorable and visual. Above all, the novel introduces us to two main characters, a young orphan- pale, thin, "almost un-earthy" but determined, strong-willed, kind and reasonable Jane and Mr. Edward Rochester - sardonic, powerful, passionate, and tormented master of Thornfield. The story of their impossible love has attracted millions of readers not only in the English speaking countries but all over the world. "Jane Eyre" has been adapted to TV and big screen 18 times. The actors as famous and marvelous as Joan Fontaine and Orson Welles, William Hurt and Charlotte Gainsbourg, George C. Scott and Susannah York, Ciarán Hinds and Samantha Morton, Timothy Dalton and Zelah Clarke, have played the couple that had to overcome hundreds of obstacles made by society, laws, religion, by the differences in age, backgrounds, experiences, and by the fateful mistakes that would hunt one for many years.

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Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre" is a beloved novel of a governess's life and love

Jane Eyre was authored by the inimitable Charlotte Bronte of the Yorkshire writing Brontes of Haworth Parsonage. The novel was written under the pen name "Currer Bell" in fears that it might be thought to have been by a woman. Bronte dedicated the book to one of her literary heroes William Makepeace Thackery whom she met on a London trip. Little did Charotte know that Thackery had to deal with a wife gone mad as had Rochester in her novel!
Jane Eyre suffers through a miserable childhood. She is raised by a cruel aunt Mrs. Reed after the death of her parents. Jane is sent to the odious Lowood Academy where she lives for eight years from age 10 to 18.
At Lowood, Janes befriends the older girl Helen Burns. Helen dies at an early age; Jane remains at Lowood. Miss Eyre eventually becomes a teacher at the school as she has learned French, sewing and social skills.
Jane departs Lowood to become the governess of Adele the illegitimate daughter of Mr. Rochester. Rochester is a Byronic figure who has a madwife named Blanche living in the third story of his estate Thornfield. Jane leaves Rochester at the wedding altar when it is discovered he has a living wife. Jane flees to a home of evangelic Christians where she is courted by the future missonary Mr. St.
John. He rejects the wealthy Rosamund Oliver for Jane. Jane, however, loves Rochester. In a dramatic ending the little Miss Eyre is reunited with her lover and weds Rochester. Jane comforts Rochester who has become blind and maimed due to the burning down of Thornfield. The fire had been set by his mad wife Blanche who leaped off the roof of the building. Daphne Du Maurier would use a similar ending of her novel "Rebecca."
The name "Jane Eyre" can be interpreted in many ways. Jane was the middle name of Charlotte's sister Emily. Eyre may refer to her desire to fly freely in the independent air of personal freedom. Eyre also hints at the fact that Jane is an heiress. Jane also "errs" in some of her decisions as she makes her pilgrim's progress through northern England. The book is a Cinderella story in which a poor and plain young woman wins her lover. The dialogue is sharp, witty and the scene is populated by interesting rural servants and domestic animals such as the dog Pilot.
The book contains elements of Gothic terror, romance and a defense of the rights of women. Bronte is often taught in courses on Feminism. Charlotte Bronte writing in the first person uses a rich language drawing on Biblical, Classical and Shakespearean language and metaphor. Bronte knew how to tell a good story for her life was similar to that of Jane Eyre. Bronte saw many of her sibling die young and lived in genteel poverty as a governess and teacher.
Jane Eyre is an immortal classic which will continue to be read and enjoyed by future generations. It is the kind of book which will hook you on reading. Excellent and deserving of several rereadings. The Penguin edition has a large section of notes explaining Victorian customs and the literary allusions.

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Beyond Lit: A Compelling Read

Or: The Book Is Better Than The Movies. Liberate "Jane Eyre" from the stigma of the English Lit syllabus! This book is still fresh and accessible, its language easily readable, and its heroine's feelings and motives instantly recognizable. I enjoy "Jane Eyre" more every time I read it, and not because the book "gets better" --- as I grow and change and as my perspectives shift, I see things in this book that I missed before. Forget that you're "supposed" to like it. Read "Jane Eyre" for pleasure, and find your own rewards.

a timeless story

In our current culture filled with technical language, slang, and gross misuse of the English language, Jane Eyre is a refreshing and brilliant view into 19th century England and pure unadultered English. It is a scintillating story told from a feminist perspective at the time, yet it is completely applicable to the 21st century. It should be required reading for all women, young and old, urban and rural, single and married. A delightful read.

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Better than I expected

This novel was quite a bit better than I expected. I usually prefer adventures ("manly" literature) but quite frankly, this book didn't disappoint me. I don't give it 5 stars for the convoluted way that Jane and Rochester get back together. The "I heard your voice in the wind" stuff is a little hard to swallow. (Sorry if that was a spoiler! Still read the book because there are some true heart-pounding moments!) Jane Eyre was actually quite enjoyable to read and I'm glad that I took the time to read it. I like her character: She's not beautiful, but she's a solid and determined woman and I like that her inner beauty overcomes her physical plainness. She's a role model for young girls! She overcomes adversity with strength and determination and has an accurate moral compass. She follows her inner voice and she's rewarded for it. Great female literary character of the 19th century!

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reviews: 1, 2, page 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

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