Jane Eyre

Part of my current large homework load is due to this novel. Over the past 2 weeks, we have been reading Jane Eyre for British Literature. Now it is paper time, and I am currently working on writing yet another paper (on this novel).

I am sure many of you (especially men) might wonder why I have been reading Jane Eyre of all books. But you might be surprised at how well written this book is. There is a really good storyline throughout its 500+ pages. And although it is definitely a love story that women love, there is plenty of mystery and action to keep anyone interested.

As part of our in-class assignment, we had to follow a certain image throughout the whole of the novel. By doing this, I was able to see how Bronte incorporated other images into the storyline. She uses paintings and other cultural images to support her novel, which helps place it in the culture of her day. She also alludes to past and present (of her time) fairy tales and myths, which show where some of the characters come from. Finally, there is an abundance of religious images (ranging from description of the church and clergy and allusions to various Biblical stories).

One of the images I noticed was the description of God as our master. This was illustrated through the character of Mr. Rochester. He was the "Master" of Thornfield Hall. He owned the property, and Jane seemed to idolized him throughout the course of the novel. But there are also points in the novel that point to him as not being a "godly" master, and the connection to God is lost through his sinful actions. However, this idea seems to play out through the novel, ending with Jane's recognition of her own idolatry and the service she needs to devote to the true God.

The novel spans Jane's entire life. She begins with the death of her parents, which forced her to live with her hateful Aunt for many years. From there she moved to Lowood School and spent several years learning various tasks and subjects. She then became a teacher for 2 years and eventually moved to Thornfield Hall to become a governess to Adele. This is where she encounters Mr. Rochester and the strange mysteries of Thornfield Hall. What is the secret, and how will it affect her life? Well, eventually she moves yet again and encounters her cousins. She begins a school of her own, but she then returns to the remains of Thornfield, where this novel introduces its own happy ending (with some consequences).

All in all, anyone can enjoy this novel. There is mystery and action for those of you who do not like the love story lines of Victorian novels (like me). But for any woman who may be reading this blog, I know you will enjoy all the elements of the story, love, suspense, mystery, etc. So basically, whatever elements you like in a novel you will find in Jane Eyre.

Matt