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Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte was published in 1847, and it defines the Romantic time period for us with its elaborate description, attention to nature, and dark gothic elements. I found Jane, the narrator, to be very likeable when I read it several years ago. I hope you enjoy her and the novel as well.
The idea is that this spot should be a conversation about your important and unique thoughts on the novel, so when you post, respond to what others have said and add something new to the conversation. Support your discussion with quotes from the text and discussion or analysis of those passages. Do not simply summarize the events of the novel. Remember that you must post four times. Proofread carefully because I will not approve poorly edited comments, and you will not receive credit for them. Postings for this book are due August 10. Difficulty in posting is not an excuse for lateness.
15 Comments
William Krohn
8/2/2015 01:00:24 pm
Jane Eyre is proving to be a lot better than my initial expectations. Being a small chunk into the book, I have realized it is a little bit of a slow read, but not a boring read. The dated language is growing on me because it makes everything sound so classy and sophisticated. Sometimes it makes me laugh because it makes insults sound backhanded and passive aggressive, like when Jane describes John as "not quick either of vision or conception" (page 9). I love how much I identify with Jane's emotions and every time she lashed out at her aunt, I was in her corner the whole time, like for a ten year old she is incredibly courageous, seemingly out of nowhere, too. One thing I found peculiar was Jane's consistent sympathy for her aunt despite all the bad she has done unto her. Jane made note several times of forgiving her aunt or denouncing her own actions, like "a child cannot quarrel with its elders, as I had done" (page 35), which I am assuming is mild Stockholm syndrome. Helen makes me happy; I am all about her strength of character, willpower, and self control. I find it so phenomenal, especially to have that at such a young age.
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Camryn Zeller
8/3/2015 11:37:28 am
I also have started to enjoy Jane Eyre more than I anticipated I would. At the beginning of the read, the tones and attitudes Jane spoke from were just full of anger and depression and sadness which made me frustrated because I love the spunkiness in young Jane. I was finally satisfied when Bessie admitted to Jane that she was "fonder of [her] than of all the others" (47) and befriended the friendless youth. Jane is probably one of my favorite book characters ever because of her self-confidence that seems never-ending and her honest nature. I hope that is the book progresses, Jane keeps her personality and nerve because with a moxie like hers, interesting experiences will never cease to arrive.
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Mrs. Buboltz
8/9/2015 04:50:25 am
William, I'm glad you are picking up on the humor in the novel. That can be hard to catch with the lengthy sentences and elegant vocabulary.
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William Krohn
8/10/2015 12:30:21 pm
I admit there are passages that take a few minutes to decipher, but for the most part the book flows well. Reading a dated piece is so much different than a contemporary novel; there is a lot more substance, purpose, ideas, and information on the pages. Jane's internal monologue is rich with how she feels, but also relevant information and opinions about everything. I do not think I am articulating myself well, but, for example, on page 99, Jane has an incredible paragraph about societal gender roles and their toxicity, and her statements there (published in 1847) embody the truth of today. Gender roles are still an issue now, and her words are a fight women are sadly still trying to win. I guess, I am only trying to say the book holds relevance.
Eliza Johnson
8/5/2015 07:49:17 am
Like William and Camryn, I did not expect to love Jane Eyre as much as I do now. I love Jane’s passionate character and fiery attitude. A notable aspect about Jane is the way she expresses her feelings through describing her surroundings. She frequently compares her living spaces to jail cells, especially when she feels lonely. She feels helpless in the dreaded red-room in Gateshead, where “no jail was ever more secure” (Brontё 8). In Lowood, after she lost her dear friend Helen, she described herself as “an inmate of its walls” (Brontё 75). I believe she uses these phrases not only as a description for her living condition, but also as a description for her feelings. Jane always feels trapped because she cannot escape the constant criticism from her family and teachers. I think that after she stood up to Mrs. Reed, she found some confidence in herself, which gave her the potential to become a strong woman. I absolutely adore the language used throughout the text; its elegance draws me further into the novel. I also cannot help but love the lengthy and detailed descriptions of each and every character, scenery, and emotion. There is a constant movie running through my mind as I progress through the novel, and it keeps getting better.
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Mrs. Buboltz
8/9/2015 04:47:52 am
That's an interesting observation, Eliza, about the setting matching Jane's feelings. I wonder if you will notice that comparison continue as you get further into the book.
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Camryn Zeller
8/10/2015 08:22:27 am
I have also noticed Jane's reoccurring tendencies to compare her environment to jails by referring to her hosts and fellow workers as "inmates" (402). Bronte sets this comparison of confinement perfectly by strategically naming all of the places Jane settles down after an object of restriction. Gateshead, Lowood, Thornfield, and Marsh End. The connotation of constriction identified through the words gate, wood, thorn, and end, provide the reader with a unique path into the mind of the author and the trapped tone she wishes to convey. Another interesting detail I find interesting is that Thornfield, the house where Jane "had not intended to love" (203), is a type of juxtaposition; fields are open and free while a thicket of thorns is often the complete opposite. Likewise, Jane's love and engagement to Mr. Rochester made her feel free and happy, but his big secret left her feeling confused and conflicted which is comparable to the image of a pricker patch. I love how Bronte brilliant sneaks in these smalls details and I'd love to read her book again to try and catch other clever details such as this.
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William Krohn
8/10/2015 01:36:59 pm
I love your analysis about the confinement comparison! Wow, that makes so much sense; I love the element of tone it adds to everything. Supporting it: in my book, I noted when Mrs. Fairfax was showing Jane around that Jane was "gazing with delight" and dreaming of adventure as she stood on the roof of Thornfield (96). Two pages later, Jane reveals to "[believe] in the existence of other and more vivid kinds of goodness [than Mrs. Fairfax], and what [she believes] in [she wishes] to behold." Jane often feels trapped (subconsciously, in the very least), and even at Lowood, she enjoyed to spend her time outside, exploring the woods. The whole time she has been yearning to escape the aptly named abodes in which she has resided throughout the book.
Camryn Zeller
8/7/2015 01:09:38 pm
Although I admire Jane's independent personality, her independence is also very frustrating because she rarely allows herself to let others make her happy. This total reliance on herself that Jane thrives in can all trace back to her messy childhood and honestly I just want Jane to realize that not all people are as incompetent as her past guardians. At Thornfield, Jane always doubts the guests' and servants' personalities and motives; she is skeptical of all except for Mr. Rochester. I really hope Jane and Mr. Rochester grow closer together and he teaches her new perspectives on living life free and happy. I think that Mr. Rochester has a lot to teach Jane about the "grains of truth in the wildest fables" (177) and I can't wait to continue reading to see the effects Mr. Rochester's relationship with Jane impresses on her self-reliant nature.
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Mrs. Buboltz
8/9/2015 04:57:29 am
Camryn, you've made an interesting observation about Jane and her self-reliance. Do you think there are long-term consequences for her if she does not let people help her? If she does let Mr. Rochester into her life, is it then a novel about learning to trust? Just thoughts.
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Eliza Johnson
8/9/2015 03:49:43 am
I admire the way Jane cares for Mr. Rochester. She does not love him for his appearance, but for the connection she shares with him. The difference in class is concerning, but Jane thinks “though rank and wealth sever [them] widely, [she] has something in [her] brain and heart, in [her] blood and nerves, that assimilates [her] mentally to him” (Brontё 164). I am inspired by Jane’s courage to love someone who may always degrade her. I hope Mr. Rochester will soon recognize their deep connection and choose to ignore their difference in class. Jane Eyre is not like a typical love story because both these characters are not deemed handsome, nor is their attraction physical; this love connection exists because their thoughts and actions are so in sync with one another. I hope Jane finds happiness with Mr. Rochester because she deserves to have someone in her life who loves and cares for her.
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Camryn Zeller
8/9/2015 07:49:50 am
After reading further into Jane's story, my feelings toward Mr. Rochester and his personality and motives have change; my initial impression was full of kindness and respectability but now I believe him to be untrustworthy and secretive. Jane first recognizes the curious environment Rochester creates when she discovers a "mystery at Thornfield" (192) from which she "was purposely excluded" (192) and when Mrs. Fairfax, who had worked for Rochester many years, warned Jane to be cautious and "keep Mr. Rochester at a distance" (306).I am glad that Jane has found someone that she can find happiness in, however, I wish that Mr. Rochester would confide in Jane this big secret that seems to surround his mansion and his personality. This mystery incorporated into life at Thornfield, leaves the reader unable to stop reading or quit making predictions (and personally, I believe Rochester's secret involves the creepy Grace Poole that keeps popping up unexpectedly). I can't wait for Jane to discover the mystery's core so that her and Mr. Rochester can start an honest relationship together.
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Eliza Johnson
8/10/2015 07:39:57 am
I agree that Mr. Rochester has become questionable. I feel Mr. Rochester knows the reason behind the odd events that continue to happen at Thornfield. I can tell he is keeping something from Jane when he covers up hints about the mystery with a compliment towards Jane. Hinting at his past life, he wishes he “were in a quiet island with only [her]; and trouble, and danger, and hideous recollections removed from [him]” (Bronte 192). If only Jane was not so in love with him, she could recognize this hint. I hate knowing this mystery exists, for I was hoping Jane would find a trustworthy companion. Although I do not think this is a wise action, Jane continues to trust in Mr. Rochester, which is bringing them closer together. Because he is so charming to her, Jane fails to realize he is keeping secrets. I am eager to discover the mystery and I hope Jane finds out about Mr. Rochester’s poor actions so she can consider her relationship with him.
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William Krohn
8/10/2015 11:56:48 am
My first impression of Mr. Rochester was almost opposite of yours, Camryn. I found him arrogant and haughty; on page 118, during his third conversation with Jane, he says, "I cannot see you without disturbing my position in this comfortable chair, which I have no mind to do." Reading that, I instantly decided he was hotheaded, in that he, himself, summoned someone to a room and could not find in his agenda to turn to face her. During the same conversation he expects Jane to find him handsome, extending to question her when she declines him. The superiority complex dripped from every sentence he spoke to her, exemplified again when he thinks his elder status and the amount of places his feet have been prove him to be above Jane.
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Eliza Johnson
8/10/2015 07:40:41 am
Jane Eyre was a fantastic read. It had all the elements a great book should have: mystery, romance, suspense, drama, and emotional depth. I loved following her journey from a lonely ten-year-old girl to a happily married woman of thirty. I think Jane has been the inspiration for many characters we read about and watch in films today. Jane’s personality is appealing to the feminine world; her tenacious, independent, and caring qualities are what many women today hope to live up to. It had not been surprising Mr. Rochester viewed Jane as “the most precious thing he had in the world” (Bronte 409). Even though Jane was not seen as physically handsome, her charming qualities attracted Mr. Rochester and other relationships she developed. I was so satisfied with the ending to Jane Eyre, I was brought to tears. I am so glad Jane had the confidence to push through her difficult childhood and reach her happy ending. Jane Eyre will always be a character I look up to and remember as I continue my path of life.
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