Currently Reading: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Hello, readers and writers!

Sadly, I was unable to finish my current read over the last week, but I’m reading a classic so those usually take a little longer. Instead of writing my review for this week, I wanted to share some reasons as to why I’ve always wanted to read this novel and how I’m feeling about it so far.

My Past with Jane Eyre

As a child, I had a few of those illustrated adaptations of classic novels for children. I had Anne of Green Gables and Jane Eyre. Jane’s story had made an impression on me at that age because of her strength as a character. I loved how much she persevered after her previous experiences with the people in her life.

For example, her parents died before she could even remember. She was then raised by her aunt who disliked her a great deal and always chose her cousins over her. She had been raised to stay in the shadows, forever locked away from the rest of the family in total isolation.

She finally escapes that horrible life when she’s sent off to school. Really, it’s an orphanage, but the family pays a small fee for her to stay there. Her past almost follows her when information about her previous living situation is known to everyone, but she’s able to plead her case and be given a real chance.

All of this is only at the beginning of the novel, but so much of that story is incredibly inspiring. There are many monologues given by the characters around Jane that reference religion, sexism, and more that gives us a great example of how the world she’s living in is.

Since childhood, I’ve been interested in reading the novel. I’ve had many teachers, peers, and family members tell me I wouldn’t like it, but I kept thinking I probably would. The story just means so much to me, and I’m glad I finally carved out the time to read it.

What I Think So Far

After reading the first fourth of the novel, I’m enjoying the classic. Usually, I enjoy reading contemporary because I don’t have to adjust to a different type of language, writing, or culture. Contemporaries are simple for me because they feel like stories that could happen to anyone I know today, and I find that incredibly entertaining, but I do understand the benefits of reading classics.

Here are a few things I’ve learned from reading so far:

• Religious restrictions during this time were abusive to children. There are many times when these kids are faced with conflicts they cannot control but are still punished and seen as wicked or sinful.
• The treatment of women at this time shows up almost instantly in the novel and has remained in the story. Women are meant to follow specific rules and are often seen as sickly or inept.
• Jane Eyre’s perception of the Golden Rule is perfect. I love that she speaks out against those who are acting wrong and claims that anyone who demands respect from her should give it first. I bet that was a totally different POV for the time period, and I love it.

I’m excited to see where she goes and what happens. I’ve watched some movie adaptations and, of course, have the background from the children’s illustrated version. I want to read more.

Check back in next week to see my review! That’s with the hopes, of course, that I’m able to put in the time to read it all.

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Thank you for reading! What classics are on your TBR list? Is Jane Eyre one of them?

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