Jane Eyre

By: Charoltte Brontë

Genre: fiction, romance

Publication Date: 1847

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Publisher’s Description

“Charlotte Brontë tells the story of orphaned Jane Eyre, who grows up in the home of her heartless aunt, enduring loneliness and cruelty. This troubled childhood strengthens Jane’s natural independence and spirit – which prove necessary when she finds employment as a governess to the young ward of Byronic, brooding Mr Rochester. As her feelings for Rochester develop, Jane gradually uncovers Thornfield Hall’s terrible secret, forcing her to make a choice. Should she stay with Rochester and live with the consequences, or follow her convictions – even if it means leaving the man she loves? A novel of intense power and intrigue, Jane Eyre dazzled readers with its passionate depiction of a woman’s search for equality and freedom.”

Our Take

Jane Eyre is a great example of what a confident, self loving, goal oriented, and uncompromising woman is. This book pulled us in with its tragedy, romance, and mystery. And the themes of forgiveness, classism, gender stereotypes, and faith made for great discussion. There is so much that every woman can take away from this literary heroine, who overcomes trials of various kinds, while staying true to who she is.

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food to share

on the menu:

• English Tea Cakes
• British Breakfast Tea
• potatoes au Gratin
• tea biscuits
• Pita chips and hummus
• Cheese, meat, and crackers

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Atmosphere

We had a pretty setting for our book Club that included china for tea and illustrations from a special copy of the book by Marjolein Bastin. This copy included recipes, illustrations and a chart showing the connections of all the characters. it also included a short bio on the author, which we read aloud.

We also discussed an article on 11 lessons that Jane Eyre can teach every 21st woman about how to live well.

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discussion

• What do you think about the hypocrisy of the “religious” Characters in the book? Despite Jane’s experiences she holds onto her faith. Can you relate, or not?
• How did jane’s views of herself compared to Blanche Ingram make you feel? Do you think Jane would have been treated differently in life if she were more physically attractive?
• Do you feel like Mr. Rochester really loved Jane? And she him?
• the ideas in this book on female individuality were revolutionary for the time. in regard to improvements in women’s rights, What are you grateful for today?

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quotes

“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.”

“Your will shall decide your destiny.”

“We know that God is everywhere; but certainly we feel His presence most when His works are on the grandest scale spread before us; and it is in the unclouded night-sky, where His worlds wheel their silent course, that we read clearest His infinitude, His omnipotence, His omnipresence.”

“Women are supposed to be very calm generally: but women feel just as men feel; they need exercise for their faculties, and a field for their efforts, as much as their brothers do; they suffer from too rigid a restraint, to absolute a stagnation, precisely as men would suffer; and it is narrow-minded in their more privileged fellow-creatures to say that they ought to confine themselves to making puddings and knitting stockings, to playing on the piano and embroidering bags. It is thoughtless to condemn them, or laugh at them, if they seek to do more or learn more than custom has pronounced necessary for their sex.”