Lulu/ Lucien reviewed Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Feminist masterpiece by Charlotte Brontë (despite some problems)
5 stars
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 …
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.
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…