3 Reasons to Pick “Jane Eyre” as Your Next Read
The Setting
Jane Eyre is a gothic romance novel set in Victorian England. The renowned author Charlotte Bronte, the eldest of the Bronte sisters wrote it. The writing is beautifully descriptive, describing the inner monologue of the protagonist and the outward circumstances in great detail. This novel features gothic elements and descriptions of old (haunted?) English manors. There are creepy happenings that pique your interest and keep you hooked. Not to mention, the description of The English countryside is just breathtaking!
The Protagonist
Jane is far from the ideal heroine. She is neither the village belle nor the most clever one. She is shy and sometimes awkward. What sets her apart is her firm belief in herself and her ideas. The clarity of her thoughts is astounding.
“If all the world hated you and believed you wicked, while your own conscience approved of you and absolved you from guilt, you would not be without friends.”
― Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre
Her actions are guided by her strong moral compass, and she cannot be swayed by her emotions. Since the book is a first-person narrative, you get to know every thought that Jane has. You become invested in her life as if she is a good friend. Jane faces sorrow, despair and loss, but even in the difficult moments, she stays true to herself.
The Relevance
At first, I was skeptical about starting a book published in 1847. I felt that I would not find it very relevant to the current times. That is not at all true, the book is refreshingly relevant even in 2023! Even in the 1800s, Jane fiercely argues that women have the same hopes and dreams as men, and have the right to pursue them.
“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.”
― Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre
Another example is that, Jane is living with the old Mrs Fairfax and is working as the governess of a little girl. Though her job pays handsomely, she is lonely. She yearns for the company of youth. I could especially relate to it during the COVID times when, though I was comfortable (grateful for it!) at home, I yearned for the company of my friends.
Still not sure? Well…
You can be rest assured that it is the kind of book that leaves you fully satisfied. There are no loose ends or pointless characters. Though the writing is highly descriptive the plot does not meander aimlessly. It has everything a person could ask for in a book, drama, romance, mystery, horror, an exciting climax and a gratifying ending. The characters have depth as well as variety. No wonder that it is considered a classic, I am sure that it will remain so forever!
