Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Jane Eyre: 19th Century Literature
Jany Eyre is a book written by Charlotte Bronte in the 19th Century. Although this book is a classic, it breaks the stereotypes for books in this time. It fits the classification of 19th century with it's focus on the4 middle class, romantic plots, textual subtities, and view of the ordinary as art, however, it differs from the mold with its underlying yet prevalent sense of Feminism and an adamant inner self questioning of authority. Though Jane is only a 10 year old girl, she is constant affliction with the not only authority, but her society as well. She analyzes the actions of the people around her and criticizes them on the hypocriticism, ignorance, and bigotry. Such as her aunt who is blind to the tyranny that her son inflicts upon Jane, and the school master who embarrasses and disgraces Jane in front of the whole school while calling her a liar and deceitful. Jane's qeustioning of her society can be seen as a clear parallel of Charlotte questioning hers.
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This sounds like a good read--is the syntax very dense? I know Jane Eyre is a very strong character and has a lot of courage, do you think this shines through especially in the masculine society she lives in? Or do you think she would be this impressive in any century?
ReplyDelete-Jillian D.
I am quite intrigued by the fact that a ten year old girl is capable of such complex thoughts and actions. As mentioned by Jillian, it is interesting taking into consideration the time period in which this novel is supposed to take place in, that such a female character could exist.
ReplyDelete-Kenny J.
Based on what you have written, this book seems rather interesting. The fact that the speaker is a 10 year old girl makes it even more interesting and can also make one curious. Also, based on the time period that this book is written in makes it intriguing. I think that Jane Eyre would be an interesting book to read.
ReplyDelete- Destiny O.
I have yet to read the novel but your analysis so far intrigues me. I am excited to read this novel concerning the interaactions between many. It is really great that you found the parallel of "qeustioning of her society" between Jane and Charlotte. It shows you have a clear understanding of the themes and circumstances behind the novel.
ReplyDeleteOn another topic, from what you have described, the novel seems to portray acts that we, as high school students, participate in every day. These acts are gossip, criticism, and "people-watching." It is interesting to see that natural tendencies to critique those around us were prevelent just as much in the 1800's just as much as they are now.
-Toni G.
As we study how technological advance have formed our society in the new millennium, if the story was written in present day, how would it affect the story its self? Obvious differences would of course come into play but would the depth of the story be destroyed or would it enhance the read itself?
ReplyDelete-Jasmine C
Jane Eyre looks like a complex novel. I have seen a movie version of the story and the complexities you wrote about here are not nearly as evident in the film. I need to read the book if I want to understand Jane's social criticisms. It will be interesting to understand the story from a 10 year old's critical viewpoint. Does Jane grow older as the story progresses, thus altering her perspectives?
ReplyDelete-Aimee Erickson
I origonally wrote this post when I was at the beginning of the book. As I moved on Jane grew in age so she is now 18. I appologize if this makes her any less impressive. Through the book she continued to challege society and gender roles, however, her emotions often got in the way of her actions. It was a very good book and I do recommend it. As a warning it is 700 pages, so good luck!
ReplyDelete-Onyx Linton
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ReplyDeleteShe is a very aware 10 year old for questioning society like that. Does her percpective or actions toward society change as she grows older?
ReplyDelete-Summer Q.