When a well-read individual thinks of feminist literature, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë comes to mind. A plain-looking woman with a horrific childhood, Christian ideals, and a crazy man who keeps his wife in the attic – what more could you want?

There was no possibility of taking a walk that day.

My favorite cover of Jane Eyre from the Splinter’s Classic Lines collection

The Book

Jane Eyre was the classic that made me fall in love with classics – before reading it, I found them woefully boring and outdated. Jane’s story (from her perspective) pulled me in and kept me enraptured throughout the novel. The novel follows the eponymous heroine from her tragic childhood into her adult life. Jane, an orphan, grows up with her abusive aunt and cousins – this abuse comes to a head when Jane retaliates and is sent to the “red room” as punishment. She believes she sees a ghost and faints. The doctor who comes to tend to her sees how unhappy she is and suggests that she is sent away to boarding school. Jane is #pumped, but school turns out to be a bust as the pupils are subjected to terrible conditions and cruel teachers. The majority of the student body is wiped out by typhus, but a miraculous revamp is done in the school. Jane remains there for her tenure as a student and then begins to work as a teacher. After 8 years, she becomes bored and becomes a governess for a little French girl named Adele, who is being raised by one Mr.Rochester. Jane and Rochester become close, even as shady things start happening in the house (a fire, an attack, etc.). Rochester proposes to Jane, who joyfully accepts…that is, until the truth comes out.

Jane Eyre, in my opinion, is dreadfully unappreciated. Often cast aside for the likes of Jane Austen and Virginia Woolf (both of which I also love), Charlotte Brontë’s magnum opus is much more subdued. This does not take away from the work, however – rather, it enhances it by showing the reader that there is beauty in simplicity. Jane herself is also adamant that she is her own person first – any prospects for love are second to the pursuits and dreams she has of her own. As a young girl reading the book, it was amazing to see a heroine so confident in herself and her goals.

Jane Eyre gets five out of five stars – I have loved it for years and will continue to for many more. Plus, I wrote about it for my AP English Literature exam and got a 5, so that was a win.

The Bop

Jane Eyre’s bop is “Mirrorball” by Taylor Swift. The song describes a women trying to fit into society’s standards, though it is very difficult for her. She feels as though she must please everyone, being the “mirrorball” that everyone is always looking at. This is Jane at the beginning of the novel – she is so often treated poorly that she is willing to do anything to gain positive attention and have people like her. However, as she grows up, she realizes that her, as she is, is just as worthy of love and respect as any other version of herself.

In conclusion, take the time to read Jane Eyre. It’s a great introduction into the classics, makes you look educated, and is a wonderful read overall.

We entered the wood, and wended homeward.