The book first starts by explaining to us, the dismal life Jane Eyre has with her relatives, especially a cousin named John (if your a Harry Potter fan think Dudley, but meaner). After, she leaves her relatives, the circumstances are better, but not by much. However, it gradually improves until she is a governess. She likes her new residence and her charge, Adele. Everything seems fine, but somehow I get the feeling that not everything will be roses for long in this book. This might be one of those books that while it is good, at the same time it is a tad depressing, which will be a theme throughout the book. Only time will tell though if I am right.
It was asked; What was the most noticeable thing about Jane?
Jane was a outspoken child who did not have any problem speaking her mind, which during that time period and her station in life, was not received very well. This was the first thing that I most noticed about her, not that it is necessarily a bad trait, but one does need to be mindful of when to keep their opinions to themselves sometimes. I think it would have saved her some trouble, this doesn't excuse the actions of her relatives though. I think Bessie at sometimes, and certainly people at Lowood tried to show her that such as Helen and Miss Temple. Children, especially poor orphans, were usually not treated kindly throughout history, especially during this time period. I think the book tries to show that in various ways.
Lovely review! Victorian era orphans are especially plagued in literature. Love, love Jane and her hotheaded-ness. I love an imperfect heroine but do agree that her temper probably gets her into more trouble than necessary.
ReplyDeleteSo true about literature back then, and can't wait to see what happens to Jane.
DeleteLike Brooke, I loved Jane's hotheaded-ness (great word choice, Brooke), but you're right that it gets her in trouble more often than not. Now that she's moving into adulthood, I wonder if she'll learn to hold her tongue when needed?
ReplyDeleteI think sometimes it will work and others it won't. It will be interesting to see what happens!
DeleteGreat thoughts, especially regarding Jane's passionate nature sometimes over-riding her good sense. Like Brooke, I love imperfect heroines, and Jane is shaping up to be a well fleshed-out one.
ReplyDeleteI do think it is good though as it doesn't show her as being perfect, let's face it no one is, so it is good and see a character that has a mixture of traits in their personality.
DeleteI love every stubborn bone bone in Jane's body. If she hadn't stood up for herself no one would have. When she was quiet and stayed out of the way she was either forgotten completely, or that rotten little piece of crap, John Reed sought her out to punish her for, I would imagine, her existence. She did nothing else wrong. Who wants to read about a meek girl who works to remain invisible. As I've said before, look where that got sweet little Helen Burns.
ReplyDeleteThat is true, I do think it is sometimes a pro and other times a con for here. I can't wait to see what happens though. I do hope at the end there will be at least somewhat of a happy ending for her. Although I am not expecting a "fairy tale" ending, as this book doesn't appear to be going that way.
DeleteI think that sometimes Jane's outspoken nature actually kept her from getting into even more trouble. Helen Burns never stood up for herself and she seemed to suffer worse punishments at Lowood than Jane did. But I really did enjoy Jane's violent outbursts towards Mrs. Reed and John Reed...I was mentally cheering her on! - Maggie @ An American in France
ReplyDeleteI was glad too that she finally had her say about Mrs. Reed and John. I think some of her personality traits are both pros and cons, it all depends on what situation she is in at the moment. I do hope that her lot in life will get better, but I am not expecting a "fairy tale" ending though.
DeleteHallo, this afternoon!
ReplyDeleteI am slowly making my rounds to each of the Septemb-Eyres, as I only just posted my take on the first chapters myself last night! I'm a bit late to the party this week, but will make amends next Monday! I wanted to say that I sort of disagreed with you in one way, but appreciated that your enjoying the story overall! (I wrote about it on my blog)
Its on the same level as Maggie's comment above mine, as I too, felt that her voice led her to better straits in some ways, rather than the silence that Helen kept above all else. I think the difference in the two girls lies in their different backgrounds and views on faith. Neither is right nor wrong in all instances.
Their backgrounds probably did play a big role in their personalities. I think sometimes her traits are both pros and cons to her depending on the situation she is in. It will be interesting to see what happens.
DeleteI noticed and appreciated this about Jane, though you're right that it would've saved her a heap of trouble if she'd kept her mouth shut. Though, in her case, I suppose she had little to lose since she was so miserable from the start.
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