Jane Eyre

Por Charlotte Brontë

Jane Eyre es una joven huérfana que vive maltratada en un mansión. Al rebelarse, es llevada a un internado, suceso que, sumado al amor que siente por el señor Rochester, provoca el pleno desarrollo de su personalidad.

• Idioma: Español
• Editorial: Zig-Zag
• Fecha de lanzamiento: 11 nov 2015
• ISBN: 9789561221635

Charlotte Brontë

Charlotte Brontë (1816-1855) was an English novelist and poet, and the eldest of the three Brontë sisters. Her experiences in boarding schools, as a governess and a teacher eventually became the basis of her novels. Under pseudonyms the sisters published their first novels; Charlotte's first published novel, Jane Eyre(1847), written under a non de plume, was an immediate literary success. During the writing of her second novel all of her siblings died. With the publication of Shirley (1849) her true identity as an author was revealed. She completed three novels in her lifetime and over 200 poems.

Vista previa del libro

Zañartu

1

Aquel día amaneció muy frío. Me alegré de no poder salir porque no me gustaban los paseos largos, y sobre todo en esas tardes tan invernales. Regresábamos al anochecer, y yo volvía con los dedos agarrotados, entristecida por los regaños de Bessie, la niñera, y humillada por la conciencia de mi inferioridad física. Elisa, Juan y Georgina Reed se sentaban en el salón con su madre, junto al fuego. Mi tía parecía sentirse feliz y no me permitía unirme al grupo, diciendo:

–Siento que no puedas tomar parte de nosotros; pero mientras Bessie no me informe que has cambiado tus modales, tendré que excluirte de los privilegios reservados a los niños obedientes y buenos.

–¿Y qué ha dicho Bessie de mí? –pregunté al oír eso.

–Jane, no me gustan las niñas preguntonas. Siéntate por ahí y permanece en silencio.

Me refugié en un comedorcito que estaba al lado del salón y en el cual había gran cantidad de libros. Tomé uno de ellos que tenía muchas láminas y me sentía feliz a mi modo. Sólo temía ser interrumpida, lo que sucedió pronto. La puerta del comedor se abrió.

–¡Eh, tú, doña Estropajo! –gritó Juan. Luego al no ver a la niña, la que se encontraba en un rincón, dijo–: ¡Lisa, Gina! Díganle a mamá que la tonta de Jane salió con este día tan lluvioso.

Yo deseaba que no descubriera mi escondite, pero Elisa, que entró en ese momento, dijo:

–Búscala detrás de las cortinas, Juan. Estoy segura de que está allí. Salí inmediatamente, temiendo que Juan me sacara a rastras.

–¿Qué quieres? –pregunté con temor.

–Debes decir: ¿Qué desea, señor Reed? –repuso él sentándose en un sillón y ordenándome con un gesto que me acercara.

Juan Reed era un muchacho de catorce años, cuatro más que yo. Pero estaba demasiado desarrollado para su edad, su piel era fea y áspera, sus facciones toscas y sus extremidades muy grandes. Comía sin límites, lo que lo ponía bilioso. Debía haber estado en el colegio, pero su mamá lo había traído a casa por un mes o dos a causa de su delicada salud.

El no sentía mucho cariño por su madre ni por sus hermanas, y por mí tenía una marcada antipatía. Siempre estaba castigándome; cuando se me acercaba, mis nervios se ponían en tensión y un escalofrío recorría mi cuerpo. Los sirvientes jamás se pondrían en su contra por defenderme y la señora Reed era sorda y ciega al respecto. Al parecer, ésta nunca lo vería golpearme o insultarme, aunque lo hiciera en su presencia.

Acostumbrada a obedecer a Juan, me acerqué al sillón. Durante tres minutos estuvo insultándome con todas las energías de su lengua y cuando terminó me dio un empujón que me hizo tambalear.

–¿Qué hacías detrás de la cortina? –me preguntó.

–Leía.

–A ver el libro.

Lo traje desde la ventana y se lo pasé.

Tú no tienes que tomar nuestros libros. Mamá dice que tu padre no te dejó nada, y no tienes derecho a vivir con hijos de personas distinguidas como nosotros; no debes comer la misma clase de comida que nosotros ni vestirte a costa de mamá. Yo te enseñaré a no tomar mis libros, porque estos libros son míos.

Todo lo que hay en la casa me pertenece o me pertenecerá dentro de pocos años. Ahora párate cerca de la puerta.

Le obedecí sin comprender sus intenciones, y cuando lo vi con el libro en la mano, presentí que iba a tirármelo y quise correr, pero ya era tarde. El libro me dio en la cabeza y comencé a sangrar. El dolor era tan agudo que el terror se apoderó de mí y me asaltaron otros sentimientos.

–¡Malvado! –exclamé–, asesino, negrero, emperador romano...

Yo había leído la Historia de Roma escrita por Goldsmith, y ya tenía mi opinión sobre Calígula y Nerón. E incluso había hecho comparaciones, pero nunca pensé que las diría.

–¡Cómo! –exclamó Juan–. Elisa, Georgina, ¿la han oído? Voy a contárselo a mamá. Pero antes...

Se arrojó sobre mí, me tiró el pelo y me pegó con furia. El dolor me obligó a defenderme y respondí a sus golpes enérgicamente. No sé lo que hice, pero lo oí gritar.

–¡Condenada! ¡Perra!

No tardó en recibir ayuda. Su madre apareció en la escena, seguida de Bessie y de Abbot, la sirvienta. Nos separaron y oí decir: ¡Con qué furia pegaba esa niña al señorito Juan!

–Llévenla al cuarto rojo y enciérrenla en él –ordenó la señora Reed. Varias manos me sujetaron y arrastraron hacia las escaleras.

2

Me resistí, lo que ayudó a la mala opinión que Bessie y Abbot tenían de mí. Estaba fuera de mí. Comprendía, además, las consecuencias que traería mi rebeldía.

–Cuidado con los brazos, Abbot, parece una gata.

–¡Qué vergüenza! –exclamó la sirvienta–. ¡Pegar al hijo de su benefactora, señorita Eyre! ¡A su señorito!

–¿Mi señorito? ¿Acaso soy sirvienta?

–Menos que una sirvienta, porque ni siquiera se gana el pan que se come. Siéntese aquí y reflexione sobre su mal comportamiento.

Mi primer impulso fue ponerme en pie, pero las dos mujeres me lo impidieron.

–Si usted no se sienta tranquila, habrá que amarrarla –dijo Bessie–. Abbot, présteme sus ligas. No puedo quitarme las mías, porque tengo que sujetarla.

–No necesitan atarme, no me moveré –dije– y como garantía me senté voluntariamente.

–Más le vale –repuso Bessie, y cuando estuvo segura de que yo no me rebelaría, me soltó, y ambas me miraron como dudosas de mi cordura.

–Nunca había hecho una cosa así –comentó Bessie, volviéndose a la sirvienta.

–Pero, en el fondo, su modo de ser es ése –replicó la otra–. Siempre le he dicho a la señora que es una niña de malos instintos.

Bessie no contestó, pero se dirigió a mí:

No debe olvidar, señorita, que tiene que estar agradecida de la señora Reed; ella la mantiene y si la echara de la casa, usted tendría que irse a un asilo.

No contesté a esas palabras. No eran nuevas para mí, las estaba oyendo desde que tenía uso de razón.

–Y no debe igualarse con los hijos de la señora, aunque ella le dé el mismo trato –añadió Abbot–. Ellos tienen dinero y usted no tiene nada. Debe ser humilde y procurar hacerse agradable a los Reed.

–Se lo decimos por su bien –dijo Bessie, con más suavidad–. Debe tratar de ser buena y amable.

–Además –aseguró Abbot–, Dios la puede castigar. Vámonos Bessie. Rece, señorita Eyre, y arrepiéntase de su mala acción, porque si no, puede venir un fantasma por la chimenea y llevársela.

Se fueron y cerraron la puerta.

El cuarto rojo se usaba rara vez; a menos que hubiera muchos invitados. Había en él un lecho con columnas de caoba, en el centro de la habitación, cubierto por cortinas de damasco rojo, como un tabernáculo. Las dos grandes ventanas permanecían con sus cortinas siempre corridas, la alfombra era roja y la mesita situada junto a la cama estaba cubierta con un paño del mismo color.

Hacía nueve años que el señor Reed había muerto en esa misma habitación. Allí estuvo su tío hasta que se llevaron su ataúd.

No estaba segura de que las dos mujeres hubieran cerrado la puerta al marcharse. Me atreví a levantarme para comprobarlo. ¡Ay, sí!, la encontré cerrada herméticamente. Al retroceder pasé ante el espejo, mi mirada fascinada, involuntariamente, se fijó en el espacio que reflejaba; todo parecía tan frío y más sombrío de lo que era en realidad, y mi extraña figurita, mirándome con su rostro pálido y los ojos brillantes de miedo, se me figuraba un espíritu, uno de aquellos seres, entre hadas y duendes, de que Bessie hablaba en sus historias.

Volví a mi asiento.

Mi rebeldía me sostenía aún y me daba fuerzas para soportar aquel injusto castigo.

En mi mente se agitaban las violencias de Juan Reed, la orgullosa indiferencia de sus hermanas, la parcialidad de los sirvientes.

¿Por qué siempre sufriendo, siempre acusada, siempre condenada? ¿Por qué no agradaba nunca a nadie? Elisa, testaruda y egoísta, era respetada. A Georgina, caprichosa e insolente, todo se le perdonaba. Su belleza, sus mejillas rosadas y sus rizos dorados encantaban a cuantos la veían y le pasaban por alto todas sus faltas. Juan no era jamás reprendido ni mucho menos castigado, aunque torciese el cuello a los pichones o matase a las crías de los pavos reales, maltratase a los perros y arrancase los botones de las plantas más delicadas del invernadero. Llamaba vieja a su madre, jamás le hacía caso y, sin embargo, para ella era su querido Juanito. Yo no hacía nada malo, trataba de cumplir con mi deber, pero me consideraban perezosa, inútil, sucia y traviesa y se me reprendía de la mañana a la noche.

Tuvieron que pasar muchos años para que yo comprendiera lo sucedido aquella horrible tarde.

El día empezaba a alejarse del cuarto rojo. Eran ya más de las cuatro, y el crepúsculo se acercaba con rapidez. Se oía el golpeteo de la lluvia en las ventanas. Yo estaba helada hasta los huesos y sentía que iba perdiendo el ánimo, mi energía desaparecía. Y caí en mi acostumbrada humillación. Todos decían que yo era tan mala, acaso era esto lo cierto.

No recordaba nada del señor Reed, sólo sabía que era tío, hermano de mi madre, y que me llevó a su casa al quedarme huérfana; que en sus últimos momentos hizo prometer a su esposa que me trataría como a sus propios hijos. Sin duda, ella pensó que podría cumplir su promesa, y quizá la cumplió todo lo bien que pudo, dado su carácter, sin dejar de establecer la diferencia entre una extraña, a quien no podía querer, y sus propios hijos.

No dudaba de que si mi tío hubiera estado vivo, me habría tratado bien. En aquel instante, un resplandor se fijó en la pared y quise creer que sería la luz de la luna que entraba por las rendijas de la ventana; pero la luz de la luna no se mueve, y aquella claridad cambiaba de sitio. Mi corazón latía y sentía fuego en la cabeza. Creí sentir un rumor de alas que volaban acercándose y algo que me oprimía,

Comentarios para Jane Eyre

[lydia1879 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

This book is a little bit tricky for me to review.

Initially, I adored it. Then I found out some problematic things about Rochester's character and the nature of his relationship with Jane.

However, I still really love it, I just think it's important that when you read this book you acknowledge that it's not perfect, and Mr. Rochester is not always the perfect man he appears to be.

I read this because I wanted to read Wide Sargasso Sea, which is probably not the right way around, but that's how I did it anyway. I really adore Jane's character, particularly when she's young and precocious - she's stronger, bolder than when she becomes older.

I liked one character in particular (who shall remain unnamed because I don't want to spoil it for you). They, to me, really represented Jane's inner self - a wilder, bolder side that she never let anyone else see. This person was a manifestation of all her frustrations of being a poor woman in 19th century England.

Is it a feminist novel, though? Sometimes, I don't know. But I want it to be, and maybe I'll read it again more critically, and figure it out for myself.

This novel is really atmospheric, and it's not nearly as romantic as you might assume it to be. Jane is a complex character, worn down by her experiences, and brought to life again through Bronte's writing.

If you haven't read this novel, try it out. c:

[booklovers2 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

Took me a long time to finally get this off my list of wanna reads. I absolutely loved this book. Jane is such a modern woman of her times, independent, outspoken and true to her morals and high standards despite how she is treated or looked upon by the people who are supposedly better than she. There were times that I felt that she would give into others demoralizing requests, but she always held her head high and stood her ground and I was so happy for her and the ending was to be hoped for her.

[cj82487 · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

I'm not going to do a full review of this only because I have read this book before and this time I tackled the audiobook. But, for other reviews please visit my blog Under Literary Construction.

Now, to the nitty gritty. I just don't think I am the audiobook type of person or maybe I need more practice. I chose this book as my first audiobook because I was familiar with the story. I have read the book and watched the latest film adaptation made in 2011 and still had trouble following the story. It is a great classic story, but the audio was lost on me. I just had trouble following the story. There were so many times that I had to rewind and start over. Or, if I hadn't had the chance to listen in a while, I had to start at the beginning of a chapter to pick up where I left off because I could not quite figure out where the story was.

Also, I am a BIG fan of making annotations in books. I highlight, underline and make notes throughout my books. It helps me digest the text and really get into what I am reading. Even my kindle books, I highlight and make constant notes then usually have little extra tidbits on my OneNote about the book. With an audiobook, I am just not able to do this, which makes me a little sad.

Overall, this is an amazing story that just didn't come across as amazing as it is, for me, as an audiobook.

[readingover50 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

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.

[mhanover10 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

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.

[quigui · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

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

[phoenixterran · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

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

[moniquesnyman-1 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

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.

[jensay_1 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

Whenever I reread this book, I still have the same feelings I had when I first read it. I feel so sorry for Jane when she is at the school. I love Helen, and I tear up everytime she leaves Jane's life. I am always uncomfortable when Rochester shows up, and I always start to skim Jane's time with her cousins. I love this book. It reminds me of all of the good things about reading.

[kariannalysis · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

Jane Eyre, oh where do I start? This book isn’t one I just picked off the shelf. I heard about it in another book I was reading, so I thought I’d check it out. And now, it’s part of me for life.Yes, I had to use my dictionary to dust off my French to get through it. I also had to guess at some Old English, but those are the only negatives.As soon as I saw that Little Jane went to a private school, I was sucked in. As big of nerd as I am, I think I would have loved a private school.From page one until the end, there is never a dull moment. And you grow with Jane from the time she is 10. You see a child become a woman. You also get to see a completely different world than we ever know or can even imagine. As soon as you think there will be calm, the plot thickens and you are left once more in amazement.One of the things I like most about this book is the history. It’s 162 years old and written by a woman. Charlotte Bronte was not the only author in her family. Her two sisters were also writers and they all wrote under aliases. Many thought it was men writing these amazing stories.This is a book I will read time and time again. One, I know I missed parts. Two, I just loved the story and don’t think it’ll ever get old.I give Jane Eyre 5 bookmarks and if you haven’t read it, I highly suggest it. (Sorry, no bookmarks to add to this post. I can’t get them to go at the bottom of the page. Still learning blogger format.)

[bnbooklady · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

I’d been wanting to read this book for quite a while and could never quite get motivated for it. I’m glad I read it. I appreciated the writing, and I get why it’s a classic.But man, is it ever plot-driven. I had no idea there would be so little character development and so many extensive descriptions. The action is almost “blink and you miss it,” as Jane spends a hundred pages talking about day-to-day life and then makes a major revelation in just a few sentences. And she does that several times.It also doesn’t help that going into this, my first reading of Jane Eyre, I already knew two important plot points: the big secret and how it ends. Now, I did enjoy seeing how the story unfolded, and I tried to be objective and think about whether a moment would have had tension if I hadn’t known what was going to happen, and the answer was usually yes. Brontë takes forever to build up to things, even after she’s given us plenty clues, and the revelations—quick as they are—are thoroughly satisfying.If not for the antiquated language and all of the 19th century obsessing about propriety and social strata, I might have forgotten how old this book is, and that’s a good thing. Brontë’s writing is significantly less affected than that of many of her peers (Mr. Dickens, I love you, but I’m looking at you right now), and it allowed me to get pulled into the story rather than tangled up in phrasing.

[talbin_3 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

I was most pleasantly surprised with Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, which I just read for the first time. For some reason, I expected a combination of Wuthering Heights (which I didn’t like as well as I thought I would) and Dickens (who I generally don’t love). On the contrary, Jane Eyre is not derivative of anything – Charlotte Bronte has her own viewpoint and style, and with Jane Eyre she has created a unique coming-of-age tale.SPOILERSThe book is divided into five major parts: 1. Orphan Jane lives with Mrs. Reed, her aunt, and the three Reed children. Mrs. Reed despises Jane and treats her terribly, eventually sending her away to school. 2. Jane goes to Lowood Institution, a Christian charity school that doesn’t seem to have a lot of Christian values or charity toward its wards. After a typhus epidemic, the school is much improved. Jane stays at Lowood, eventually becoming a teacher. 3. Jane wants to see more of the world, so advertises for a governess position. She is hired at Thornfield Manor, where Mr. Edward Rochester lives with his French ward, Adele Varens, the housekeeper Alice Fairfax, and his servants. Eventually Jane and Edward fall in love and Edward proposes. However, there is a slight problem – Mr. Rochester already married to a madwoman who lives on the third floor. 4. Jane runs away and is rescued by the Rivers family, three siblings who take her in and treat her well. In the meantime, through a series of coincidences, Jane inherits money. The brother, St. John, installs Jane as the village teacher. He also tries to convince her to marry him and accompany him on his mission to India. Jane does not love St. John and knows that he does not love her, so refuses. 5. Jane realizes who she truly loves, and journeys to find Edward Rochester, whose wife has since died in a deadly fire that also leaves Rochester blinded and without a hand. They marry and live happily ever after.For me, one of the biggest surprises in reading Jane Eyre was that there was so much more to the novel than just the love story between Jane and Rochester. In reality, the section at Thornfield is about half the novel. Another surprise was that there were few scenes on the “wild moors.” In fact, Jane Eyre is much more of an internal story. Although “nature” is invoked, it is almost always human nature, not outside nature. And perhaps most surprising (at least to me) was that Bertha Mason, Rochester’s crazy wife, really didn’t play a major role in the novel. Yes, her existence caused some major problems, but for whatever reason I thought she would be a major character, too.Charlotte Bronte explores many themes throughout the novel, including religion, love (romantic and familial), a woman’s place in society, the role of family in society, and the psychological reasons people do the things they do (human nature). On this first reading, I think I was most struck by Bronte’s exploration of the role of religion and its affects on people of different personalities, and the study of women’s place in society. With religion, it seems that Bronte is showing how extremes can be not only restricting and rigid (St. John) but downright cruel (Mr. Brocklehurst and his Lowood school). And the entire book is about Jane’s journey to find her place in society, and in so doing, Bronte advocates for women to be allowed to find useful pursuits that allow them to contribute to society. Of course, there is so much more here, but this is only a review!I only had a few quibbles, mostly with the coincidences at the end. These strained credulity just a bit. However, by this time I was so absorbed with the novel that I was quite willing to suspend disbelief.Overall, Jane Eyre is a great book, one I would happily read again.

[taramatchi · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

I have finished this book, hooray! I really did enjoy the book, although I can't say it was the most exciting book. I truly fell in love with the story, especially the ending, which I had been curious about since I read The Eyre Affair, which actually I am glad I read first. It was a wonderful story about a resilient and strong woman.

[bbec_4 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

this is a brilliant novel. i loved that Jane was able to be a strong and principled heroine without having to act like a man.

[foomy_1 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

This is another book we had to read during the first year of college but it was twenty years later when I reread it again and loved it so much it gave me a different perspective to relationships. I was very single around that time, but this book encouraged me not to give up on men. It is partly an autobiographical novel by Charlotte Bronte who died around the age I read it. Jane, goes through different dramatic life-stages, first she was emotionally abused by her aunt. The climax, of course, would be her reunion with Rochester.

[seekingflight · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

Jane Eyre is orphaned young, sent away to school by her aunt, gains employment as a governess, and falls in love with her employer, Mr. Rochester. Yet many obstacles lie in the path of their happiness ... It’s interesting reading books set in a different time and place, and seeing the sorts of dilemmas faced by characters in that era – unfamiliar in some ways, and yet universal in others. I’m not sure that I always agree with Jane’s thoughts and actions, but I enjoyed the way in which her character, her thought processes, and the dilemmas she faced were portrayed. And I couldn’t help but admire her strength of character and determination; and her gentle yet unyielding nature.

[larryerick · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

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.

[lkernagh · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

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.

[theatrearchivist · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

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.

[antiquary_1 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

I put off reading this for years, but liked it better than I expected when I did read it.

[mtgh131 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

My favorite book ever. It doesn't get more personal or better than this!

[abbie47 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

Shows classism and chauvinism. Jane's idea of being "good" is somewhat stifling. The writing is sometimes verbose. Nevertheless, it is a gripping novel, amazingly feminist and intensely thought provoking. Worth rereading as an adult.

[natalie220 · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

A orphaned girl placed in an orphanage by her cruel aunt, grows up to be a very intelligent woman. She goes to work for an unusual man, who has a very troubled past and has trouble loving anyone. but he falls in love with her and she quickly finds that his past is in fact alive.

[cyderry · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

Although this book is deemed a classic, I was disappointed. I felt that the story was too over the top in many areas - Jane as the penniless orphan, Jane as the dowdy governess, Jane as the would-be bride, Jane as the surprise heiress. I'd heard so much about Mr. Rochester as a Romantic hero and all I saw was a self-important, self-indulgent man. Maybe back 150 years ago this was a great book, but I don't see it today.Maybe I'm just not meant to read the classics.

[she_climber · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

I loved this book. I loved everything about this book. I loved the reader, Susan Erickson was amazing. I loved the story it was so moving I found myself finding additional time to listen. I loved all the characters.I'm thinking this trying the classics plan of mine this year was a good one!

[crewman_number_6 · Calificación: 2 de 5 estrellas]

Tedious, I guess I am really not a fan of the Gothic tale.

[morganaperry · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

This is my all-time favoirte book. I absolutely love it.

[nicolehc_1 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

Good, but not as good as her sister's novel.

[june6bug · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

A book to return to over and over again.

[kiyomikeala · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

A timeless classic and a book I return to again and again.