JANE EYRE by Charlotte Brontë

I finally got around to reading the classic!

When I decided earlier this year to start reading classics, I knew somewhere in amongst them, I’d find myself seeing what all the fuss was about and reading Jane Eyre. Now, I have done so!

Jane Eyre was written almost 200 years ago yet remains beloved globally. It’s protagonist is a young woman who at first lives with extended family, before moving to a girls school and then to a governess position.

Along the way, we find a young woman of intelligence and wit, a nineteenth century feminist long before we really knew what feminism was. Jane was sure of herself and her value, and was not prepared to lower herself in order to suit any man’s sensibilities. I can completely understand why she is a beloved character.

Here’s the thing: I hated the end.

I felt so let down by Jane’s choice - while recognising she had the right to make whatever choice she wished for herself. I just wished it wasn’t THAT. I couldn’t understand why she would give herself over to the life she chose, after the horrible way she had been treated. I was so disappointed!

In my mind, Jane would go on to create a school of her own, marry a truly wonderful man or just live her life completely on her own terms - she would blaze a trail! And maybe in some ways she did…but then, she didn’t. Yeah - I felt let down.

Almost 200 years later, I know I have to view the story as one of its time and without the choices we, as women have, nowadays. Maybe I expected too much of Jane…or maybe I am allowed to feel disappointed.

Overall, I did like the book but it wasn’t quite as wonderful as I expected. Brontë’s writing is complex and cannot be read quickly, but it is beautiful. I’m glad I now understand the fuss…maybe one day I’ll read it again and see if I love it more, like so many others do.