Why You Should Read Jane Eyre?
“Now I remembered that the real world was wide, and that a varied field of hopes and fears, of sensations and excitements, awaited those who had the courage to go forth into its expanse, to seek real knowledge of life amidst its perils.”
I’ve actually read “Jane Eyre” twice, and let me tell you, I was so into it that I almost wore out the pages with my extremely sweaty palms! And I won’t spoil the plot for you, but trust me, I’m just here to give you a taste of why this book is so special and why I think you should definitely give it a go.
We all know how challenging it is for a women to get their stories published in that era, this is the reason most of the novels was released under a male name. “Jane Eyre” was also published under the pseudonym Currer Bell. Keeping that in mind, “Jane Eyre” can be considered as an allegorical novel that contrasts with the societal norms and expectations of Bronte’s time. Here is why you should read this:
Independence Amidst Adversity
Jane, as a character evolves from an orphaned and mistreated young girl who gets by life as an unwanted, unloved, and uncared for bag of blood and bones to a self-reliant woman. Charlotte Brontë symbolizes Jane Eyre as one who navigates adversity with resilience, breaks societal norms and stereotypes, and becomes a beacon of feminist strength. The texts challenges the notion that woman’s destiny should be solely determined by external circumstances, especially the patriarchal structures.
Subversion of Patriarchal Norms
Jane Eyre serves a compelling example of the defying patriarchal norms. Women in Victorian era are known to be passive and submissive, Jane Eyre breaks that. Characters in the book like Mrs. Reed and Mr. Brocklehurst represent the oppressive nature of patriarchal power structures. Bronte shows how these structures can harm individuals’ lives and depicts Jane’s fight against them. There was this one scene where Jane Eyre had a precocious outburst, I think at the age of 10. She looked at Mrs. Reed dead in the eye and said:
“How dare I, Mrs. Reed? How dare I? Because it is the truth. You think I have no feelings, and that I can do without one bit of love or kindness; but I cannot live so: and you have no pity. I shall remember how you thrust me back — roughly and violently thrust me back — into the red-room, and locked me up there, to my dying day; though I was in agony; though I cried out, while suffocating with distress, ‘Have mercy! Have mercy, Aunt Reed!’ And that punishment you made me suffer because your wicked boy struck me — knocked me down for nothing. I will tell anybody who asks me questions, this exact tale. People think you a good woman, but you are bad, hard-hearted. You are deceitful!”
She’s truly a powerful character, and her development throughout the novel is one of the key reasons why I found it so enjoyable.
Dichotomy of Romance
The relationship between Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester is at the heart of the novel. At first, their romance faces challenges due to societal differences, but it evolves into a partnership based on respect and intellectual compatibility. However, their relationship becomes more complicated due to Mr. Rochester’s hidden secret, which I will not spoil it for you. Through their interactions, Brontë explores the complexities of romantic love and the power dynamics involved. Yet, while her story carries a palpable sense of sexual tension and a persistent uncertainty about whether they will be together, the portrayal of Jane’s love defies conventional expectations.
Fortitude in Solidarity and Solitude
Jane Eyre’s exploration of female friendship and solidarity is a pivotal aspect of her character development. Despite her troubled childhood, her relationships with characters like Helen Burns, Miss Temple, and Diana Rivers hold immense significance. Jane’s first friend, Helen Burns, inspires Jane to become a better person and she shows Jane what a good, spiritual person looks like. Brontë uses this character as a way to exemplify the type of love that Jane deserves. This is one of my favorite character in this novel. Surprisingly enough, Helen Burns was based on Charlotte’s older sister Maria, so I believe that Charlotte showcased a touching sisterly friendship in Helen and Jane.
Moreover, Jane’s moments of solitude, particularly during her time at Thornfield Hall, allowed her the space for introspection and self-reflection. These moments of introspection serve as crucial junctures in the narrative, where Jane grapples with her own identity, values, and desires. It is during these solitary moments that Jane confronts her innermost thoughts and emotions, ultimately gaining clarity and insight into her own character and the world around her.
The more solitary, the more friendless, the more unsustained I am, the more I will respect myself
Moral Ambiguity and Redemption
Central to the narrative is the theme of morality and redemption. Characters grapple with moral choices that are not easily classified as purely good or bad. They are forced to confront their own flaws and past mistakes, ultimately striving to be better.
Through Jane’s journey, Brontë reminds us of the importance of integrity, compassion, and forgiveness. Jane Eyre herself undergoes a profound transformation throughout the novel, evolving from a mistreated orphan with a strong sense of justice to a mature woman capable of forgiveness and empathy.
Jane Eyre serves as a powerful narrative of defiance and resilience in the face of societal oppression. In the current scenario where discussions on gender equality and reevaluation of societal norms are at forefront, reading Jane Eyre becomes not only a literary journey but a timely exploration of themes that resonate with contemporary discourse.
