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    Jane Eyre
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    Jane Eyre
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    Jane Eyre
    Ebook652 pages13 hours

    Jane Eyre

    By Charlotte Bronte

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    About this ebook

    Jane Eyre, the story of a young girl and her passage into adulthood, was an immediate commercial success at the time of its original publication in 1847. Its representation of the underside of domestic life and the hypocrisy behind religious enthusiasm drew both praise and bitter criticism, while Charlotte Brontë's striking expose of poor living conditions for children in charity schools as well as her poignant portrayal of the limitations faced by women who worked as governesses sparked great controversy and social debate. Jane Eyre, Brontë's best-known novel, remains an extraordinary coming-of-age narrative, and one of the great classics of literature.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherOregan Publishing
    Release dateMar 28, 2017
    ISBN9781911238034
    Author

    Charlotte Bronte

    Charlotte Brontë (1816–1855) was an English novelist and poet, the eldest of the three Brontë sister authors. Her novels are considered masterpieces of English literature – the most famous of which is Jane Eyre.

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    Reviews for Jane Eyre

    4/5

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    • 4/5
      I’ve never read Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë before, because it wasn’t on our reading lists at school or university, but I must say that, although pious, it’s quite an enjoyable and insightful read. I especially liked that Jane Eyre is still a relatable character in some ways today, though she is tenacious and passionate, she is also kind and intelligent. Few well-rounded female characters like Jane Eyre exist today, which is a shame, considering that human beings are more than just good or just bad. There are numerous other facets to the human psyche, which Charlotte Brontë was able to project into her writing, which makes Jane more than just another literary character. I also felt quite deeply for Mr. Rochester, who so beautifully complimented Jane’s personality, especially when he became passionate and called her: “Sprite! Witch! Elf!” and other, equally silly nicknames. He might not have been incredibly handsome, like every male protagonist is in every single coming-of-age novel these days, but his flaws gave him depth and made him memorable.

      Though, at times, the narrative was sometimes littered with religious babble, it’s imperative to the story and to the time. Not many readers would especially enjoy the biblical context (or at times the submissiveness of female characters), but Jane Eyre carries a lot of weight in regards to the evolution of literature. In other words, it’s a must-read novel if one is to have a well-rounded and rich literary knowledge. Funnily enough, Brontë does hint at fantasy at times with the way Jane sees the world. Fairies, sprites, magical beings, and ghosts are mentioned within the novel too …

      Themes that are present in the book include: love vs. autonomy, religion, social class, and gender relations.

      Jane Eyre might not be as popular lately, due to the increase of paranormal romances, but it’s definitely a book you have to read at least once in your life. Readers who enjoy coming-of-age novels, in general, will love Jane Eyre. Though, not exactly similar, I’m sure that fans of The Selection series by Kiera Cass will also take great pleasure from Brontë’s most popular novel.
    • 5/5
      The Illustrated Jane Eyre, with illustrations by Dame DarcyI first read Jane Eyre for my 10th grade English class. We had a choice between Brontë's famous novel and When the Legends Die by Hal Borland. Most students chose the latter, being quite a bit shorter than Jane Eyre. I read both. Yes, I really was that big of a book geek, even then. I remember reading Jane Eyre outside in the back field and absolutely loving it. Recently, I've been looking for a nice copy of the novel, and unexpectedly came across this edition at my favorite comic store.The illustrations by Dame Darcy (probably best known for her comic book series, Meatcake) are rather Gothic in style; most are black and white ink drawings, although there are a handful of full-page color prints, as well. I actually preferred the ink drawings, especially the full-page ones, although the smaller illustrations sprinkled throughout the text were delightful to stumble upon. My only complaint is that, at times, they could have been better placed in order to coincide with the story-line.Jane Eyre is a willful and passionate young girl; orphaned, she unhappily lives with her Aunt and cousins. She is sent to Lowood School, were she remains first as a student, and then as teacher for eight years. Eventually, she hires herself out as a governess, gaining her own independence to some extent. Her new employer, Mr. Rochester, is used to having things his way and is quite taken by Jane. She unexpectedly finds herself becoming rather enamored of him even though he is quite wealthy, decidedly not handsome, and much older than she is. Only, he's keeping a dark secret from his past from her, one that will change everything should she discover it.I was not disappointed with the re-read, even if I did know how everything turns out. I absolutely loved the interactions between Jane and Mr. Rochester; she can be rather sassy at times, and he knows how to take it. Tragically romantic, Jane Eyre is among my favorite books.Experiments in Reading
    • 5/5
      Jane Eyre, is one of the classics that I’ve been meaning to read for ages, but it took a pretty cover to (finally) buy it, and a hangover to start reading it. Jane Eyre is indeed the story of Jane, from her miserable childhood, through her slightly less miserable adolescence and to her adulthood. Orphan of both parents, she lives with her aunt and cousins, but it is a life without affection. When she is sent to a school far from home she believes that her conditions can only improve, but it isn't without trouble that she finishes her education and is ready to seek employment.This story was not new to me, but I had only watched the TV series, and some time ago, so the details were a bit hazy. I knew there would be a happy ending, but then, there always is (I had quite forgotten everything else about the ending). I was actually expecting a lot more drama in the beginning (I think I got the order of some events wrong), so the more I read, the more I dreaded what was (I thought) sure to come.There is a very strong Beauty and the Beast feel to it. Yes, I know both the love birds are as ugly as they come, making it Beast and the Beast, but to me it is about their personalities. Jane very nice and proper (even if a little blunt), Mr. Rochester quite the devil (and drama queen), teasing and insulting. I liked Mr. Rochester’s wild personality, even if sometimes it is a bit too flamboyant. Jane’s uptightness got to my nerves sometimes, but I liked her bluntness and honesty. But most of all, it was the bickering between these too: the intelligent semi-arguments were really fun to read.My biggest problem with the classics (and I say problem is the very loosest of senses) is that I have to adapt to the values of the times when they were written. It is most likely that a modern day Jane would take the easier route, by running away WITH her beloved and not running away FROM him (I know I would, along with taking more conventional measures to deal with the problem in the attic). That made some parts in the book a bit harder to enjoy (or should I say, not to scream at the characters), but that choice was also in tune with the character's personality and way of being.But to me, the strongest point of this book is how it is written. The use of the first person takes away the distance I could have felt due to Jane’s personality. And the descriptions are absolutely vivid. I was constantly lost on 19th century England, taking walks through the moors, sitting by the fireplace, studying people… Making the drama all the more, well, dramatic, because it felt like it was happening to me.I really liked this book, even though it took me quite awhile to finish. It's very well written, and it's not only about romance, it portrays a society that is slightly different from ours - one that not so long ago was the norm. The down side was that there was a bit more drama that I felt was necessary, and all the religious babble, that started to really get on my nerves by the end of the book (courtesy of a late comer character). Still, it definitely deserves it's place among the classics.Also at Spoilers and Nuts
    • 4/5
      This one took awhile as an audio book. I finally brought it into work to finish it. The reader did a fantastic job with emotion of each of the characters. Very enjoyable.
    • 4/5
      I decided to give the new Serial Reader app a try. If you don't know about it, it is a free app for your phone that each day sends you a small section of a book, one that you can read in 10-15 minutes. Each day you get sent the next installment. For my first book, I decided to read Jane Eyre. I have never read this before, but I know a lot of people love it.

      The basic story is really interesting. I liked the beginning part, when Jane is still a child. Stories about children in boarding school always fascinate me, and Jane is sent to a horrible school. Her life is so tragic, and still she manages to stay true to her self. I like how strong Jane is, and how she sticks to her moral code.

      The writing style was a bit overdone for my taste, but I think this is a common style from the time that the story was written. There is much moralizing and preaching, and at times it felt like it went on way too long. I did not find Mr. Rochester to be a very likable character. The way he tries to trick Jane and lie to her felt inexcusable to me. But I know Jane is in love with him, and is willing to forgive him. I think the lesson I learned from this is the heart wants what the heart wants, and in the end it can not be denied.
    • 5/5
      I taught this book as a high school sophomore to my English class; my usually-very-hip instructor refused to teach anything by "those damn Bronte sisters." I taught from the Cliff notes, the Monarch notes and my own head; we watched the 1944 movie with Orson Welles as Rochester and Joan Fontaine as Jane.
    • 4/5
      What can I say, I love Jane, she is such a strong and likeable heroine. Not one to shy away from adversity, and I think an introvert at heart given that she doesn't like to draw unnecessary attention her way. The story was a bit slow at the start. Is it just me or does anyone else think that Jane's childhood at Gateshead Hall and her time spent at Lowood School has a rather Dickensian atmosphere to it? It was when the scene shifted to Thornfield that I really became engrossed with the story. The interplay between Jane and Rochester is captivating! The drama. The intensity. Just perfect. I loved their intellectual conversations and the way the two would engage in word play, dancing around the elephant in the room. Readers who have read this one may understand where I am coming from when I say that my love for the story tends to ebb and flow: parts were riveting and other parts were... good, if a bit slow and sometimes a tad clichéd. The story has some really great scenes of high drama - loved those bits! - but some of the plot resolutions are a little too perfect and a bit too convenient. That being said, if I had read this one in my youth, like I did Wuthering Heights and other stories, I don't think I would have appreciated it to the level that I do reading it now, so chalking this up as being a worthy read and one that I am glad I finally got around to reading.
    • 3/5
      I'm an old guy. Not so old that I could have dated the author in high school (she was a couple years ahead of me), but still, not exactly the prime audience for this book. So, maybe I should skip a review altogether. And maybe I should add my two-cents for those other old guys out there thinking of reading the book. This is supposed to be a romantic novel, right? A listing I just saw an online poll that says this is the third most popular classic book ever. On the other hand, my ebook reader system doesn't categorize it as "Book", but under "Kids". Why? Because the lead character starts out as a child and ends up as barely an adult? Let me ignore all that and just say I don't think this is a romance. I think it's a book about "What is love?" Plus, it's also about 350 pages too long, attaching the equivalent of a ten page lyric poem to pretty much every look out the window or walk outside. It's also very hung up on "plain" appearances, though that is one aspect of how it assesses what love is. "Is it possible to truly love a plain person?" "Does a plain person deserve love?" ("Can plain people find love and happiness just like regular folks?") Coincidentally, the author makes it easier to conclude an answer to that question by manipulating the narrative to provide a person who can't actually see the plain appearance. It should be mentioned that education and having "culture" is also thrown into the mix. Thankfully, the author seems to relent and conclude that beauty and culture are not absolute requirements for bliss, but nevertheless provide a higher standard of love, so don't pass them up if you can get them. Finally, I want to make a point about the many movies and television shows that have been made about this book and how -- I think -- they have distorted our view of the actual text of the book. For instance, I watched a video summarizing which actor played the best "Rochester". The conclusion was unquestionably, the handsome former James Bond actor, Timothy Dalton. I ask, did anyone even read the book's description of Rochester? There were other videos that compared multiple film versions of one of the first "proposal" scene. While I only viewed about six of the roughly dozen filmed versions available to me, not one of them had the right setting, the means by which the characters come together for the scene, the dialogue, and/or the reactions of the characters to the proposal discussion, as it was set in the actual book. I also watched the very start to about five films. All but two left out the entire first third of the book, with only one starting with the initial scene that sets the tone. My point isn't that a movie must be faithful to a book. My point is that I strongly suspect that what some people remember so fondly in the book was never there to begin with, and that the book simply does not measure up to the films that may be in peoples' minds.
    • 2/5
      I don't understand why this book is considered to be a classic-- not at all.
    • 4/5
      (Original Review, 1981-01-31)Ever since my first reading of Jane Eyre I've always viewed it as an account of the indelible effects of emotional abuse, and as such, a very grim book indeed. The novel opens with a recall of the emotional deprivation the 8-year-old Jane receives daily at the hands of her aunt. The story then continues with Jane's time at Lowood School, an institution devoted not so much to teaching the children of paupers, as to teaching them their place in life.By the time she reaches adulthood Jane is really quite damaged, and she regards herself as a social inferior. This self-image is never really challenged, much less altered or dispelled. The many reviews that praise Jane's undoubted courage unfortunately gloss over this or omit it completely, giving a misleading impression. It is apparent that Jane never ever overcomes the effects of her ghastly childhood. Remember, she is only able to accept Rochester after he had been brought down in the world by the loss of his home and fortune, and his disablement. And while she does, in the end, reject St John, the reader should note how close she comes to succumbing to this emotionally remote, manipulative, hypocritical bully.To my mind, the most astounding thing in Jane Eyre is Charlotte's implicit (explicit?) criticism of the saintly St. John Rivers. He's supposed to be a man of God, as beautiful as an angel, but with a will of iron and a heart of stone. The way he bullies Jane, using his power as a man and as a servant of God to try to force her to submit to him against her will, is horrific. It's as if he sees an independent woman as a threat which he has to destroy.Where did this terrifying character come from? Imagination, or did Charlotte perhaps know someone like him?I think it's Jane's raw, violent, unexamined sexuality. Having never really had much in the way of human warmth, guidance, or emotional education, Jane is quite literally wild. She seeks sensuality like a starving beast and has an almost animal understanding of what constitutes a connection between two human beings. Jane probably doesn't even know what sex is, yet she burns with desire. Rochester - depraved, debauched, debilitated by vice and excesses- sees this in her and in the purity of her passion, he is able to cleanse himself and transcend his baser instincts. I completely buy their relationship, and while it is, objectively, very iffy by today's standards (the gap in age, experience, social status! the mad wife in the attic! the illegitimate child!), it is also completely, viscerally believable. Jane Eyre still shows that lust within love should still be the (moral) goal. She actually effectively teaches Rochester this, as someone barely half his age. She teaches him some morals.For me, the novel’s strength lies in vivid writing that brings the people and the scenes to life, whether or not one likes them, or approves. The style isn’t always to my taste (I don’t care for the 19th Century habit of addressing the reader) but is compelling in a way that is the hallmark of a great writer.Maybe a modern politically-correct world that is obsessed with conformity no longer recognises this kind of gift.The inherent craft of a storyteller is to use invention to more clearly express essential truths of ideas, emotions, impressions and events. Sometimes fiction contains more truth than a fact. What else can a reader expect from a group of authors other than some uncertainty between what's real and what's not?
    • 4/5
      Love the dark, brooding Brontes....
    • 4/5
      Drie sterke karakters-Jane: taai, zeer zelfbewust, zelfs al als kind, maar groot identiteitsbewustzijn. Ze conformeert zich in allerlei situaties, maar toch altijd met de nodige reserves. . Uiteindelijk vindt ze de bevrijding in de zelfgekozen relatie met Edward als gelijke (eigen fortuin) . -Edward Rochester: eerder een reus, sterk theatraal aspect, duidelijk Byroniaans, maar niet knap, zeer egocentrisch; sterk dierlijk aspect-St-John Rivers: ambitieus, charismatisch en ontzettend knap, maar tegelijk ijzig, kil en berekenend. Maakt alles ondergeschikt aan zijn passie: missionering in dienst van God. Thema’s1. liefde versus autonomie: Jane zoekt wel geborgenheid, maar op basis van gelijkwaardigheid, vandaar afwijzing band met Rochester als ide blijkt al getrouwd te zijn2. morele plicht versus aandrift: de maatschappelijke conventies spelen een belangrijke rol, waar ze echt niet buiten springt.3. christelijke hypocrisie: gesymboliseerd door Brockhurst die zogenaamde evangelische principes wil opleggen aan de wijzen, maar wiens eigen familie zwelgt in weelde; St-John die zijn eigen invulling van christelijke plicht aan anderen wil opleggen; Jane vindt uiteindelijk zelf de ideale middenweg.4. kritiek op sociale hiërarchie: de hypocrisie van het klassenonderscheid wordt duidelijk doorbroken, cfr de Reeds zijn duidelijk minderwaardig; idem Blanche Ingram. Als gouverneur is ze de evenknie van de edelen, maar in de praktijk wordt ze behandeld als een bediende. Jane respecteert de sociale grenzen wel, ze trouwt pas met Edward als ze zelf een fortuin heeft geërfd. 5. man-vrouw ongelijkheid: ze ondervindt duidelijk de mannelijke superioriteit, cfr relatie met Edward en St-John; en ze geeft er bijna aan toe; maar tegelijk heeft ze genoeg innerlijk vuur om zich als vrouw ertegen te verzetten. Minder fijne interactie tussen de karakters dan bij Austen, maar wel zelfde milieu van plattelandsadel. Sublieme in monologue interieureWel enkele structurele eigenaardigheden-als ze op de vlucht gaat voor Edward, vergeet ze blijkbaar dat ze aanspraak kan maken op een fortuin via een erfenis-rol van het bovennatuurlijke:de stem van Edward die roept, eigenaardige dromen, schrik voor spoken, enz. -uitgebreide beschrijvingen van interieurs
    • 5/5
      I have now read this book three times and loved it each time. It's a tragic love story that really shows the growth of the main character. Even though it works out in the end it keeps you wondering what is going to happen all the way through. The characters are very easy to relate to and they make you want to follow them through their lives.
    • 3/5
      It's a good book, but I don't quite see why it's such a classic. Or rather, I can see why people are so interested in it, but it doesn't seem noticeably better than others of similar age. I don't know. It was odd reading it, because of course I know the twist - I was waiting for Rochester's wife to show up as soon as he did. I quite like Jane, and her cousins; I quite dislike St. John, and Rochester is annoying too. I'm not sure he redeemed himself, at the end...though he did _not_, as I almost expected him to, reject her because he was damaged. Now I want to read some of the stories based on this, that I've read before - The Eyre Affair, for one - now that I know how this one goes.
    • 4/5
      well it was actually a lot better than i was expecting; the characters were really developed and the writing was superb; the story itself was a little predictable but what story isn't now a days. overall really glad i finally read it.
    • 5/5
      Absolutely wonderful, awesome, and illuminating!
    • 4/5
      I enjoyed this. I think it was evident early on that there had to be the requisite "happy ever after" ending. Still it was an enjoyable read with some interesting characters.
    • 5/5
      The best book ever!
    • 5/5
      Loved this classic.
    • 4/5
      Proto-feminist does love on her own terms.
    • 4/5
      Like many of the classics, this book was a long and difficult read, but ultimately satisfying.
    • 5/5
      I just reread Jane Eyre for the first time in thirty years and found that I loved it as much now as I did when I was seventeen. Interestingly (perhaps not surprisingly), this reading was an entirely different experience and I noticed a number of things that had completely passed me by before. I think that as a teenager I was most fascinated with Jane Eyre's childhood experiences and with her relationship with Rochester. Now, I notice how her moral code is developed through the book and found that the entire section with St. John and his sisters were as wonderful as the other sections.
    • 5/5
      Excellent book. It's pure, exquisite, elegant literature- with all its characteristic British wit, restraint and grace. Definitely a book to re-read.
    • 5/5
      Loved this, the psychological aspects of Jane's character being so thoroughly explored and the unconventional romance.
    • 4/5
      Have always meant to reread this; glad I did. Still romantic but as an adult I'm less distracted by the melodramatic plot (still gotta love a crazy lady locked in the attic) and more impressed and entertained by Jane's spunk.

      This illustrated version is cooooool, too.
    • 4/5
      Now I know why this is a classic. I've never been so fascinated with the mundane life struggles a single woman could face in 19th century England. It held me enthralled throughout and I eagerly anticipated each turn of the plot.
    • 5/5
      At 57 I realize I've come late to the party. I did not take literature english classes in high school and by the way my friends acted about the classics I had no desire to read them either. For years now I try to add a classic into my choices for the year and this spring after watching a show on PBS on the Bronte sisters I decided it was time to read Jane Eyre. I won't even begin to give a review. I will just say that I love historical novels, the speech used at this time always leaves me feeeling rather proper when I give leave of my book. :) . I learn more about the era that the book takes place in and this is a fun way to learn about history. Some more than likely find this old style writing tedious, but I enjoy it when I am in the mood. Miss Bronte does do a masterful job of keeping the pace up and situations shifting enough to keep you wanting more. I am very happy I chose to read Jane Eyre. I will be on my list of one of my favorite classics!
    • 4/5
      Too bad I missed this classic in my early teens – I would have loved it then: the romance, the period detail, the discovery of words. Now I think, “Attempted bigamism & gross deceit, and too many words.”
    • 5/5
      I first read this book when I was 9 years old. One of my favorie books of all time. Hard to believe, but it provoked my first feelings of compasion and desire as I read Jane's feelings towards Mr. Rochester. Remarkable and timeless. 
    • 2/5
      This just wasn't my thing at all. I couldn't even properly finish it, I only skimmed the last 20 or so pages. I found it boring and the entire time I was reading it I wasn't enjoying myself at all, I felt like I was trudging through mud. That being said, without this book I might never have had the epiphany of "Why am I wasting my precious minutes reading books I don't enjoy? I'm not obligated to anyone." Simple? You would think so, wouldn't you?