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Jane Eyre
Summary
Jane Eyre was sent to work as a governess to the ward of Mr. Rochester. Thornfield Hall is a spooky and mysterious place with many secrets. Jane and Mr. Rochester became fond of each other and grow very fond of each other after Jane saves Mr. Rochester from a fire that broke out in his room while he was sleeping. Their bond is sealed when Jane is able to keep Mr. Rochester's secret. Their fondness for each other is drawn short because the secret of Thornfield keeps growing, but will Jane be able to look past this to the man she loves?
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Reviews
Jane Eyre, is one of the classics that I’ve been meaning to read for ages, but it took a pretty cover to (finally) buy it, and a hangover to start reading it. Jane Eyre is indeed the story of Jane, from her miserable childhood, through her slightly less miserable adolescence and to her adulthood. Orphan of both parents, she lives with her aunt and cousins, but it is a life without affection. When she is sent to a school far from home she believes that her conditions can only improve, but it isn't without trouble that she finishes her education and is ready to seek employment.This story was not new to me, but I had only watched the TV series, and some time ago, so the details were a bit hazy. I knew there would be a happy ending, but then, there always is (I had quite forgotten everything else about the ending). I was actually expecting a lot more drama in the beginning (I think I got the order of some events wrong), so the more I read, the more I dreaded what was (I thought) sure to come.There is a very strong Beauty and the Beast feel to it. Yes, I know both the love birds are as ugly as they come, making it Beast and the Beast, but to me it is about their personalities. Jane very nice and proper (even if a little blunt), Mr. Rochester quite the devil (and drama queen), teasing and insulting. I liked Mr. Rochester’s wild personality, even if sometimes it is a bit too flamboyant. Jane’s uptightness got to my nerves sometimes, but I liked her bluntness and honesty. But most of all, it was the bickering between these too: the intelligent semi-arguments were really fun to read.My biggest problem with the classics (and I say problem is the very loosest of senses) is that I have to adapt to the values of the times when they were written. It is most likely that a modern day Jane would take the easier route, by running away WITH her beloved and not running away FROM him (I know I would, along with taking more conventional measures to deal with the problem in the attic). That made some parts in the book a bit harder to enjoy (or should I say, not to scream at the characters), but that choice was also in tune with the character's personality and way of being.But to me, the strongest point of this book is how it is written. The use of the first person takes away the distance I could have felt due to Jane’s personality. And the descriptions are absolutely vivid. I was constantly lost on 19th century England, taking walks through the moors, sitting by the fireplace, studying people… Making the drama all the more, well, dramatic, because it felt like it was happening to me.I really liked this book, even though it took me quite awhile to finish. It's very well written, and it's not only about romance, it portrays a society that is slightly different from ours - one that not so long ago was the norm. The down side was that there was a bit more drama that I felt was necessary, and all the religious babble, that started to really get on my nerves by the end of the book (courtesy of a late comer character). Still, it definitely deserves it's place among the classics.Also at Spoilers and Nuts
The Illustrated Jane Eyre, with illustrations by Dame DarcyI first read Jane Eyre for my 10th grade English class. We had a choice between Brontë's famous novel and When the Legends Die by Hal Borland. Most students chose the latter, being quite a bit shorter than Jane Eyre. I read both. Yes, I really was that big of a book geek, even then. I remember reading Jane Eyre outside in the back field and absolutely loving it. Recently, I've been looking for a nice copy of the novel, and unexpectedly came across this edition at my favorite comic store.The illustrations by Dame Darcy (probably best known for her comic book series, Meatcake) are rather Gothic in style; most are black and white ink drawings, although there are a handful of full-page color prints, as well. I actually preferred the ink drawings, especially the full-page ones, although the smaller illustrations sprinkled throughout the text were delightful to stumble upon. My only complaint is that, at times, they could have been better placed in order to coincide with the story-line.Jane Eyre is a willful and passionate young girl; orphaned, she unhappily lives with her Aunt and cousins. She is sent to Lowood School, were she remains first as a student, and then as teacher for eight years. Eventually, she hires herself out as a governess, gaining her own independence to some extent. Her new employer, Mr. Rochester, is used to having things his way and is quite taken by Jane. She unexpectedly finds herself becoming rather enamored of him even though he is quite wealthy, decidedly not handsome, and much older than she is. Only, he's keeping a dark secret from his past from her, one that will change everything should she discover it.I was not disappointed with the re-read, even if I did know how everything turns out. I absolutely loved the interactions between Jane and Mr. Rochester; she can be rather sassy at times, and he knows how to take it. Tragically romantic, Jane Eyre is among my favorite books.Experiments in Reading
I’ve never read Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë before, because it wasn’t on our reading lists at school or university, but I must say that, although pious, it’s quite an enjoyable and insightful read. I especially liked that Jane Eyre is still a relatable character in some ways today, though she is tenacious and passionate, she is also kind and intelligent. Few well-rounded female characters like Jane Eyre exist today, which is a shame, considering that human beings are more than just good or just bad. There are numerous other facets to the human psyche, which Charlotte Brontë was able to project into her writing, which makes Jane more than just another literary character. I also felt quite deeply for Mr. Rochester, who so beautifully complimented Jane’s personality, especially when he became passionate and called her: “Sprite! Witch! Elf!” and other, equally silly nicknames. He might not have been incredibly handsome, like every male protagonist is in every single coming-of-age novel these days, but his flaws gave him depth and made him memorable.
Though, at times, the narrative was sometimes littered with religious babble, it’s imperative to the story and to the time. Not many readers would especially enjoy the biblical context (or at times the submissiveness of female characters), but Jane Eyre carries a lot of weight in regards to the evolution of literature. In other words, it’s a must-read novel if one is to have a well-rounded and rich literary knowledge. Funnily enough, Brontë does hint at fantasy at times with the way Jane sees the world. Fairies, sprites, magical beings, and ghosts are mentioned within the novel too …
Themes that are present in the book include: love vs. autonomy, religion, social class, and gender relations.
Jane Eyre might not be as popular lately, due to the increase of paranormal romances, but it’s definitely a book you have to read at least once in your life. Readers who enjoy coming-of-age novels, in general, will love Jane Eyre. Though, not exactly similar, I’m sure that fans of The Selection series by Kiera Cass will also take great pleasure from Brontë’s most popular novel.
Though, at times, the narrative was sometimes littered with religious babble, it’s imperative to the story and to the time. Not many readers would especially enjoy the biblical context (or at times the submissiveness of female characters), but Jane Eyre carries a lot of weight in regards to the evolution of literature. In other words, it’s a must-read novel if one is to have a well-rounded and rich literary knowledge. Funnily enough, Brontë does hint at fantasy at times with the way Jane sees the world. Fairies, sprites, magical beings, and ghosts are mentioned within the novel too …
Themes that are present in the book include: love vs. autonomy, religion, social class, and gender relations.
Jane Eyre might not be as popular lately, due to the increase of paranormal romances, but it’s definitely a book you have to read at least once in your life. Readers who enjoy coming-of-age novels, in general, will love Jane Eyre. Though, not exactly similar, I’m sure that fans of The Selection series by Kiera Cass will also take great pleasure from Brontë’s most popular novel.
What can I say, I love Jane, she is such a strong and likeable heroine. Not one to shy away from adversity, and I think an introvert at heart given that she doesn't like to draw unnecessary attention her way. The story was a bit slow at the start. Is it just me or does anyone else think that Jane's childhood at Gateshead Hall and her time spent at Lowood School has a rather Dickensian atmosphere to it? It was when the scene shifted to Thornfield that I really became engrossed with the story. The interplay between Jane and Rochester is captivating! The drama. The intensity. Just perfect. I loved their intellectual conversations and the way the two would engage in word play, dancing around the elephant in the room. Readers who have read this one may understand where I am coming from when I say that my love for the story tends to ebb and flow: parts were riveting and other parts were... good, if a bit slow and sometimes a tad clichéd. The story has some really great scenes of high drama - loved those bits! - but some of the plot resolutions are a little too perfect and a bit too convenient. That being said, if I had read this one in my youth, like I did Wuthering Heights and other stories, I don't think I would have appreciated it to the level that I do reading it now, so chalking this up as being a worthy read and one that I am glad I finally got around to reading.
I taught this book as a high school sophomore to my English class; my usually-very-hip instructor refused to teach anything by "those damn Bronte sisters." I taught from the Cliff notes, the Monarch notes and my own head; we watched the 1944 movie with Orson Welles as Rochester and Joan Fontaine as Jane.
I decided to give the new Serial Reader app a try. If you don't know about it, it is a free app for your phone that each day sends you a small section of a book, one that you can read in 10-15 minutes. Each day you get sent the next installment. For my first book, I decided to read Jane Eyre. I have never read this before, but I know a lot of people love it.
The basic story is really interesting. I liked the beginning part, when Jane is still a child. Stories about children in boarding school always fascinate me, and Jane is sent to a horrible school. Her life is so tragic, and still she manages to stay true to her self. I like how strong Jane is, and how she sticks to her moral code.
The writing style was a bit overdone for my taste, but I think this is a common style from the time that the story was written. There is much moralizing and preaching, and at times it felt like it went on way too long. I did not find Mr. Rochester to be a very likable character. The way he tries to trick Jane and lie to her felt inexcusable to me. But I know Jane is in love with him, and is willing to forgive him. I think the lesson I learned from this is the heart wants what the heart wants, and in the end it can not be denied.
The basic story is really interesting. I liked the beginning part, when Jane is still a child. Stories about children in boarding school always fascinate me, and Jane is sent to a horrible school. Her life is so tragic, and still she manages to stay true to her self. I like how strong Jane is, and how she sticks to her moral code.
The writing style was a bit overdone for my taste, but I think this is a common style from the time that the story was written. There is much moralizing and preaching, and at times it felt like it went on way too long. I did not find Mr. Rochester to be a very likable character. The way he tries to trick Jane and lie to her felt inexcusable to me. But I know Jane is in love with him, and is willing to forgive him. I think the lesson I learned from this is the heart wants what the heart wants, and in the end it can not be denied.
This one took awhile as an audio book. I finally brought it into work to finish it. The reader did a fantastic job with emotion of each of the characters. Very enjoyable.
I don't understand why this book is considered to be a classic-- not at all.
I'm an old guy. Not so old that I could have dated the author in high school (she was a couple years ahead of me), but still, not exactly the prime audience for this book. So, maybe I should skip a review altogether. And maybe I should add my two-cents for those other old guys out there thinking of reading the book. This is supposed to be a romantic novel, right? A listing I just saw an online poll that says this is the third most popular classic book ever. On the other hand, my ebook reader system doesn't categorize it as "Book", but under "Kids". Why? Because the lead character starts out as a child and ends up as barely an adult? Let me ignore all that and just say I don't think this is a romance. I think it's a book about "What is love?" Plus, it's also about 350 pages too long, attaching the equivalent of a ten page lyric poem to pretty much every look out the window or walk outside. It's also very hung up on "plain" appearances, though that is one aspect of how it assesses what love is. "Is it possible to truly love a plain person?" "Does a plain person deserve love?" ("Can plain people find love and happiness just like regular folks?") Coincidentally, the author makes it easier to conclude an answer to that question by manipulating the narrative to provide a person who can't actually see the plain appearance. It should be mentioned that education and having "culture" is also thrown into the mix. Thankfully, the author seems to relent and conclude that beauty and culture are not absolute requirements for bliss, but nevertheless provide a higher standard of love, so don't pass them up if you can get them. Finally, I want to make a point about the many movies and television shows that have been made about this book and how -- I think -- they have distorted our view of the actual text of the book. For instance, I watched a video summarizing which actor played the best "Rochester". The conclusion was unquestionably, the handsome former James Bond actor, Timothy Dalton. I ask, did anyone even read the book's description of Rochester? There were other videos that compared multiple film versions of one of the first "proposal" scene. While I only viewed about six of the roughly dozen filmed versions available to me, not one of them had the right setting, the means by which the characters come together for the scene, the dialogue, and/or the reactions of the characters to the proposal discussion, as it was set in the actual book. I also watched the very start to about five films. All but two left out the entire first third of the book, with only one starting with the initial scene that sets the tone. My point isn't that a movie must be faithful to a book. My point is that I strongly suspect that what some people remember so fondly in the book was never there to begin with, and that the book simply does not measure up to the films that may be in peoples' minds.
Loved this classic.
I love this book. I've read it over and over--and enjoyed it every time. The dark atmosphere is so delightful. :^)
Now I know why this is a classic. I've never been so fascinated with the mundane life struggles a single woman could face in 19th century England. It held me enthralled throughout and I eagerly anticipated each turn of the plot.
An orphan suffers through Gothic beatings, meets the love of her life, loses him (because she can't run away with and live with a married man), suffers some more and then finds him again. She endures. Is it any wonder this book still sells?
Excellent book. It's pure, exquisite, elegant literature- with all its characteristic British wit, restraint and grace. Definitely a book to re-read.
The story is a classic... I had read it several times. Is not the classical female heroine but is a story that shows that good persons by the end ended up having good things... Also it shows characters that are conflicted, that are not perfect and have to get through adversity. Is a pretty good book and I will recommend the book to any persons that wants to read the classics.
So, this isn't going to be a very impartial review. Jane Eyre has been my favorite book since I was thirteen. The only criticism would be maybe the ending? Things get pretty well tied up with a bow, but that may be just a marker of the time period/genre. I find Jane to be a very likable and sympathetic character and Charlotte to be a great story-teller. That being said if you aren't that into classics as a genre you might not be such a fan. If you do enjoy classics and especially gothic novels you can't go wrong.
Hailed as one of the biggest romances ever written 'Jane Eyre' is certainly that, and so much more. In truth to call it simply a romance is to do it a disservice. Brontë takes all the big genre's of the 19th century novel; Romance, Gothic Fiction, Coming-of-Age, and Autobiography and throws them all into one big melting pot, and boy does she do it well.While a romance it may be, it is also packed with drama, mystery, suspense and above all a critique of both the social class system and gender inequality.In college a fellow student said that he felt that Jane Eyre as a character lacked depth and was the complete opposite of a feminist, let me tell you the polite, quiet and all round shy personality which I had owned for 20 years suddenly left. I took a page from Jane Eyre's book and stood up for myself (and her.) Jane Eyre is not a perfect character, she's far from it...that is the very thing that makes her so excellent, she's flawed, as are we. It's this very thing that makes her a three dimensional character.She's also the type of character who will stand for what she believes in, in what she feels is the 'right' thing to do. She does so even if it goes against everything society deems acceptable. A woman who will stand her ground against society and against the man she loves makes her a strong female lead in my opinion. The fact that this was written in the 19th century. The 19th century when women were so oppressed that most female writers who wrote about more than just sewing or domestic affairs wrote under pseudonyms (Charlotte Brontë used Currer Bell as hers.)That's not to say that this is a feminist tirade, because in truth it's more about the importance of being true to yourself above all, regardless of your gender. It's about growing up and the difficulty of the human condition. Life is filled with sadness, oppression and regret, along the way we face a lot of challenges and we have to make a lot of decisions Jane teaches us that it's best to make decisions that you truly believe in because after all its us who must live with them, good or bad they are ours to make, nobody else's.It's a novel that is sure to have everything you need, and these beautifully flawed characters draw you in and linger in your mind well after the cover has been closed.Poignant and alluring, after all it's a classic for a reason.
Proto-feminist does love on her own terms.
I first read this book in my early teens. I was going through a phase in which i decided to read all the classics with Jane Eyre being the first.The story revolves around Jane Eyre, a young orphan girl still in her teens, who starts working as a governess for a Mr. Rochester. Even though Jane is "plain" and average, she and Mr. Rochester fall in love. Unfortunately, life is not always a fairy tale and the two of them must confront not only their pasts but each others' past as well.I will proudly say that this was the first book that I actually cried from reading. And it was not the small-tears-forming-in-the-corners-of-the-eyes crying, but the balling-and-sniffling-since-this-is-so-sad-but-so-good kind of crying. I think especially female teenagers should read this story, especially since the main character is a female who not only speaks her mind, but isn't a great beauty and still manages to fall in love, etc.This is a gothic horror, so do expect that not everything will be peaches-and-cream. There is a mystery in the background and strange events taking place. Though other books and stories of the Bronte sisters feature gothic horror, I think Jane Eyre balances the gothic part and the romance/realistic part better.A recommendation is that once you finish reading this book, do read The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde. I thoroughly recommend it. It will give you a different take on the story and make you fall in love with the tale all over again. Also, for a more hilarious and play on the young-orphan-girl-who-becomes-a-governess-and-experiences-strange-things-in-her-new-place-of-residence trope, I would also recommend the series of The Incorrigible Children Ashton Place.
Admittedly, seeing "spooky" snapshots of various Jane Eyre films made me reluctant to read this novel for years, but when I finally took the plunge, the book didn't feel quite as spooky and dark as the film snapshots looked. (I had the same feeling when I finally read Northanger Abbey after years of avoiding it, as all of the "spooky darkness" I found depicted on much of the media I've seen about it turned out to make up a pretty small fraction of the actual book.)Going into it, I didn't expect to admire Jane so much, but, ah! She's quite a cookie! What a head on her shoulders. She's not just some dull bore sitting off in a corner with dull thoughts, but she's quick as all get out, with a well of desires along with her resolve. I was miffed to see her depicted in an early film as a pretty thing, a little songbird perched at the piano, melting Mr. Rochester's heart with her sweet little tune. It took so much of the point out of her whole character, and I had to turn the movie off. (Rarely do I begin a movie without ever finishing it.)Jane's power as a heroine comes not from being a cutie, from being a figure of stunning talents to turn everyone's heads and make everybody worship her, but her power comes from her inner landscape. She doesn't have the face of a Miss Blanche to make her interesting, but the fact that Jane doesn't need that in order to be subtly fascinating is what makes her...fascinating. It's what makes her classic.I'm glad I finally took the plunge with this not-so-incredibly-dark-after-all book, now one of my all-time favorite novels.
This is one of my all-time favorite novels! This story has everything-- romance, mystery, humor, gothic elements, and even a crazy woman in the attic! The love story between Jane and Rochester is so romantic and heart-wrenching at times that it will bring you to tears. Loved it!
I read this book years ago, but apparently I just blitzed it. I read it again last week-I couldn't put it down! I loved every minute of it (I wasn't thrilled to read to youger years but it explained so much about her adulthood). She is such a unique character-so strong and yet weak at the same time. I loved her. Oh! And Mr. Rochester....sigh... What a wonderful character! I enjoyed getting to know him throughout the novel. I liked his somewhat abrasive personality. I'm a sucker for a rude, sarcastic, somewhat proud man (in books at least) :) The cool thing about their relationship is neither of them forced the other to change. He tried to make her change but I'm pretty sure the whole time he knew she wouldn't.Read it! And when you're done and can't stop thinking about it, read it again! :D
It took me a long time to read the book that I thought I had read in my youth but hadn't. I liked the strength of character of Jane Eyre, her firm and unwavering resolve but not the inflexible, inhuman resolve of of St John Rivers. Principles before emotional waywardness to the level illustrated in Jane Eyre goes beyond modern standards. Oh come on, Jane, I felt at certain times, chill out and marry Rochester after what he's been through. The ending was bleak and a bit far-fetched.I thought the book was brilliant though and am really pleased that I have now read it.
A strongly told tale about a young orphan girl dependant on the good will of unfeeling relatives.
Tales of life in an early 19th century school are very powerful.
Jane then jumps to her first job in in the housefhold of a stiking, passionate man with a dark secret.
This was a well told story. The passionate, loving nature of Jane must reflect that of the author and it seems very sad after having read the life of the Brontes, which I did many years ago. Returning to authors you haven't read since teen years is sometimes a disappointment, but I think I appreciate it better now.
Charlotte Bronte's heroine is a strong, vital character worth knowing.
Tales of life in an early 19th century school are very powerful.
Jane then jumps to her first job in in the housefhold of a stiking, passionate man with a dark secret.
This was a well told story. The passionate, loving nature of Jane must reflect that of the author and it seems very sad after having read the life of the Brontes, which I did many years ago. Returning to authors you haven't read since teen years is sometimes a disappointment, but I think I appreciate it better now.
Charlotte Bronte's heroine is a strong, vital character worth knowing.
I am stunned to say that I did not enjoy this book nearly as much as I had anticipated I would. It has great reviews, and is obviously considered one of the great classics. To my surprise, I could not warm up to the characters.
What I liked - I enjoyed the first part of the book when Jane was a child and she has her first experiences at her boarding school. I liked some of the plot twists, especially involving the surprise appearances of mysterious characters.
What I did not like - I found the two men in Jane's life to be whiny. I never bought either one of them to be sincere. I found Jane falling for Mr. Rochester so quickly to be annoying, and her undying love for the man was too much for me to swallow. This could be because I am a man who is not necessarily a big reader of romance, but Jane never seemed to show anger at any of the actions or omissions of Mr. Rochester and that seemed ridiculous to me. Jane was just too perfect in her temperament.
Anyway, I am glad I read it and feel better for it. I wish I had liked it more.
What I liked - I enjoyed the first part of the book when Jane was a child and she has her first experiences at her boarding school. I liked some of the plot twists, especially involving the surprise appearances of mysterious characters.
What I did not like - I found the two men in Jane's life to be whiny. I never bought either one of them to be sincere. I found Jane falling for Mr. Rochester so quickly to be annoying, and her undying love for the man was too much for me to swallow. This could be because I am a man who is not necessarily a big reader of romance, but Jane never seemed to show anger at any of the actions or omissions of Mr. Rochester and that seemed ridiculous to me. Jane was just too perfect in her temperament.
Anyway, I am glad I read it and feel better for it. I wish I had liked it more.
I don't normally review classics, but here goes.
Here in the US, I'm fairly sure the works of the Bronte sisters are commonly dubbed as required reading alongside other classics, and for this reason are unjustly spared with naught but a single glance by young adult readers.
After being recommended this novel several times, I decided to give it a try. It hadn't yet been assigned for my English class as of yet, thankfully, so I was able to read the novel without outside force or the fright of a looming reading test. I read it at my own pace, with no pressure whatsoever.
And you know what? I'm so glad I caught the book before it was assigned for school. I was able to drown in the beauty of Charlotte Bronte's writing and gain the acquaintance of the wonderful protagonist, Jane Eyre (who is, ahem, my bestie). I swooned at Mr. Rochester and highlighted passages (something I NEVER do) and stayed up through the night discreetly turning the pages.
Some may complain of the pages upon pages of descriptions. I didn't love it - I adored it. Bronte's writing style is unbeatable in so many ways and kept me enthralled when the plot meandered.
I have found a favorite novel. Words cannot do this novel justice - and I say this without caring whether or not it is cliched because it is so utterly true.
Here in the US, I'm fairly sure the works of the Bronte sisters are commonly dubbed as required reading alongside other classics, and for this reason are unjustly spared with naught but a single glance by young adult readers.
After being recommended this novel several times, I decided to give it a try. It hadn't yet been assigned for my English class as of yet, thankfully, so I was able to read the novel without outside force or the fright of a looming reading test. I read it at my own pace, with no pressure whatsoever.
And you know what? I'm so glad I caught the book before it was assigned for school. I was able to drown in the beauty of Charlotte Bronte's writing and gain the acquaintance of the wonderful protagonist, Jane Eyre (who is, ahem, my bestie). I swooned at Mr. Rochester and highlighted passages (something I NEVER do) and stayed up through the night discreetly turning the pages.
Some may complain of the pages upon pages of descriptions. I didn't love it - I adored it. Bronte's writing style is unbeatable in so many ways and kept me enthralled when the plot meandered.
I have found a favorite novel. Words cannot do this novel justice - and I say this without caring whether or not it is cliched because it is so utterly true.
It's a good book, but I don't quite see why it's such a classic. Or rather, I can see why people are so interested in it, but it doesn't seem noticeably better than others of similar age. I don't know. It was odd reading it, because of course I know the twist - I was waiting for Rochester's wife to show up as soon as he did. I quite like Jane, and her cousins; I quite dislike St. John, and Rochester is annoying too. I'm not sure he redeemed himself, at the end...though he did _not_, as I almost expected him to, reject her because he was damaged. Now I want to read some of the stories based on this, that I've read before - The Eyre Affair, for one - now that I know how this one goes.
A girl with no friends falls in love with the first single man she meets.2.5/4 (Okay).I really wanted to like Jane. But Rochester is so relentlessly awful, I found it impossible to sympathize with someone who's obsessed with him.
Wish I had read this book at 18. Read it NOW.
Drie sterke karakters-Jane: taai, zeer zelfbewust, zelfs al als kind, maar groot identiteitsbewustzijn. Ze conformeert zich in allerlei situaties, maar toch altijd met de nodige reserves. . Uiteindelijk vindt ze de bevrijding in de zelfgekozen relatie met Edward als gelijke (eigen fortuin) . -Edward Rochester: eerder een reus, sterk theatraal aspect, duidelijk Byroniaans, maar niet knap, zeer egocentrisch; sterk dierlijk aspect-St-John Rivers: ambitieus, charismatisch en ontzettend knap, maar tegelijk ijzig, kil en berekenend. Maakt alles ondergeschikt aan zijn passie: missionering in dienst van God. Thema’s1. liefde versus autonomie: Jane zoekt wel geborgenheid, maar op basis van gelijkwaardigheid, vandaar afwijzing band met Rochester als ide blijkt al getrouwd te zijn2. morele plicht versus aandrift: de maatschappelijke conventies spelen een belangrijke rol, waar ze echt niet buiten springt.3. christelijke hypocrisie: gesymboliseerd door Brockhurst die zogenaamde evangelische principes wil opleggen aan de wijzen, maar wiens eigen familie zwelgt in weelde; St-John die zijn eigen invulling van christelijke plicht aan anderen wil opleggen; Jane vindt uiteindelijk zelf de ideale middenweg.4. kritiek op sociale hiërarchie: de hypocrisie van het klassenonderscheid wordt duidelijk doorbroken, cfr de Reeds zijn duidelijk minderwaardig; idem Blanche Ingram. Als gouverneur is ze de evenknie van de edelen, maar in de praktijk wordt ze behandeld als een bediende. Jane respecteert de sociale grenzen wel, ze trouwt pas met Edward als ze zelf een fortuin heeft geërfd. 5. man-vrouw ongelijkheid: ze ondervindt duidelijk de mannelijke superioriteit, cfr relatie met Edward en St-John; en ze geeft er bijna aan toe; maar tegelijk heeft ze genoeg innerlijk vuur om zich als vrouw ertegen te verzetten. Minder fijne interactie tussen de karakters dan bij Austen, maar wel zelfde milieu van plattelandsadel. Sublieme in monologue interieureWel enkele structurele eigenaardigheden-als ze op de vlucht gaat voor Edward, vergeet ze blijkbaar dat ze aanspraak kan maken op een fortuin via een erfenis-rol van het bovennatuurlijke:de stem van Edward die roept, eigenaardige dromen, schrik voor spoken, enz. -uitgebreide beschrijvingen van interieurs