What do You think about Jane Eyre (Simple English) (1978)?
I am sure at some point in your lives you have read or at least perused Charlotte Bronte's literary classic: Jane Eyre. For me, it was during my english literary studies. Jane Eyre is a work of fiction that deeply tackles societies values on women, religion and class. Charlotte created a masterpiece that in its day caused rebellion amongst her peers and society as a whole. The story is primarily focused on a little girl called Jane who is without parents and taken in unhappily by her aunt and cousins. She struggles to fit in to her new lifestyle and becomes an avid reader. Jane is a very plain girl who does not succumb to the ugly ducking turned beautiful swan effect. She remains plain through to adulthood which is a central theme throughout the book. Jane is seeking the love of a man who can see past her plain-ness and love her for who she is, provided that their social standing is equal to her own. Throughout her childhood she educates herself through books that some may deem unsuitable to her own but this does not deter her at all. She is sent away to a boarding school where the master promotes religion but not uphold the things that he preaches, he believes that little girls should be seen and not heard then punishes those who 'are above their station'. Jane makes so many wonderful friends and equally enemies who further help her along her way and takes up a teaching post for a man of wealth and popularity who alike jane is not handsome in the eyes of society but un-like jane has the fortune and wealth that makes him attractive. Jane is thrown into a world that she does not fully understand and faces the tough decision of love vs wealth, religion vs temptation and morals vs values. This story is so beautiful and tragic that it can still bring a tear to the eye today. If you haven read it to date then you must. I have read it several times since my studies just for the pleasure of becoming part of her world. It's beautiful, tragic, poignant, resonant and heart breaking. Love it. Let me know what you think!x
—Emma
I have to admit, I put off reading this book until this week, the week before school starts, because I thought it was going to be tedious to get through and frustrating to comprehend. Upon reading it though, I began to become more and more interested with each chapter, so much so that I found reading the book for hours on end, only stopping to eat and sleep. When I was near the end of the book, I even found myself waking up at one in the morning, naturally, over curiosity of what was to become of Jane and her life. From then I stayed awake until four or so, reading, until my eyes just could not stay open anymore. Finally, this morning, I have finished it and I feel like a different person. I feel like I have gained deep insight into Jane Eyre; if not into Charlotte Brontë as well. I feel grateful that I have been able to understand someone of the 19th century, as I have never been able to before. I have always felt dread at having to read old text, especially Shakespeare. So to have had this revelation is eye-opening, and now I will be a little more open to reading novels of 100 years or more of age. (view spoiler)[That said, I am so glad that Jane married Mr. Rochester! I was so disappointed when she ran away, against both his and her heart's wishes. Then a short while afterward, she was scolding St. John for not marrying Rosamund Oliver, and could not help but think what a hypocrite she was for doing so. Jane Eyre, master of suppressing her emotions, scold someone for suppressing theirs? But I think that was how she knew she must marry Mr. Rochester. I think often that the advice we give to others is the same advice we see fit for ourselves. At least, that's often how my advice is. And yes I am a big hypocrite; I guess that's why Jane's actions resonated with me so much. Not to say that she often was a hypocrite; it was only that once with St. John. Everything she did really, was something I could relate to. (hide spoiler)]
—Ayana
I read Jane Eyre (not this specific edition but I read it). It has a very complicated plot line, starting out simple but raising more questions with every turn of a page. About 10 years (1800's in England) ago a poor clergyman fell in love with & married a noble man's daughter, who was soon disowned my her wealthy family due to her low marriage. However, they'd both eventually died of typhus, leaving their little daughter, Jane Eyre as an orphan with no money, as they had none to bequeath. Charity carried the infant to its rich, maternal relations (her mother's brother), who'd unfortunately died not too long after. A decade later, the young girl called Jane Eyre is being reared & maintained by her cruel aunt-in-law, Mrs. Sarah Reed of Gateshead Hall. Despised by her wicked widowed aunt & bullied by her 3 cousins, Jane is treated as less than a servant. Your typical Cinderella story (that's older than Cinderella). She's grown to hate her life in this miserable place, until she'd finally convinced Mrs. Reed to send her away to Lowood School. She stays there for 8 years until deciding to leave by posting an ad in the local newspaper to apply for a position as a governess. Her only response is from a certain Mrs. Alice Fairfax, to educate Adele Varens, the ward of Mr. Edward Fairfax Rochester. The wealthy own of Thornfield Hall. Where shall dear Jane's adventures carry her to next? I've rated this classic novel 5 stars. Though somewhat coincidental, reading of Jane Eyre uncovering more of her family's secrrets is a riveting & thrilling pass time. I hope that you'll enjoy it as well.
—Arya
