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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
NOTE: I didn't actually read the last volume of this book, I just read the Cliffnotes because I had to finish it really quickly for my class. However, I know enough about the plot & as a class we all discussed it and while I may not be knowledgeable to write a review, I'm mainly doing this for my own future reference should I decide to actually divulge & read the full text. So cut me some slack.
This book was GOOD. I love Charlotte Bronte and how she tackled really important issues during this Victorian period such as issues of class division (Jane was constantly in a state of unknowing really her place in the world), the hypocrisy of organized religion, and issues of gender stereotypes. Jane is a totaly rockstar character who does what she wants & stays true & respects herself through out this novel. Jane constantly faces the struggle of wanting to be loved & accepted but also trying to be independent & true to herself.
One of my favorite moments is when Jane leaves Rochester after realizing he's kind of a manipulative asshat. Speaking of that, I totallyy hated Rochester. WHO THE HELL TELLS A GIRL 'Hey, baby, you should probablyy get the hell out of here cause I'm gonna marry another woman and doesn't that upset you?' and HE KNOWS IT DOES BUT HE KEEPS MANIPULATING HER & then he admits he has feelings for her. WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL. And the fact that he dresses up as a gypsy & tries to get her to admit she has feelings for him.. Listen bro, its called you go up to the girl and say 'Hey, I think you're really pretty & awesome, do you feel the same about me?' I am well aware that this was a time where a relationship between Rochester & Jane was really inappropriate but I still think he was really manipulative of her.
His treatment of Bertha seemed cruel to me at first in terms of locking her in the attic, but it WAS a nicer act than putting her an an asylum. But he still used her for money. Again, I know this was a product of the culture. But I still think it's fucking rude
Rochester however does win major points for taking in Adele. Overall he wasn't AS big an asshat as I want him to be, I just don't think he should've ended up with Jane.
It annoys me that Jane just ran back to him at the end of the novel and was instantly like YES THIS IS GONNA WORK OUT LET'S GET MARRIED without even having a conversation really or a period of being friends to decide if a romantic relationship, let alone a MARRIAGE was gonna work out. That just seemed really unrealistic. But Jane also is her own person & she can do what she wants, and I guess if she's happy, I'm happy...
So yeah, overall I enjoyed this book. The writing is difficult and flowery and goes on forever but the story is good. I definitely rec commend getting yourself some Cliff Notes (if anyone wants, I will send you my copy which is in the paper form. just message me) or read the Sparknotes online. I'm just a fan of having a hard copy so I can write my own commentary all over the thing.
Oh & one last gripe- Bronte did a great job tackling religion & class division & gender but Jane was SO EGOCENTRIC IT WAS NOT EVEN FUNNY. Jane practically molded Adele to be the perfect little British girl instead of staying true to her French roots. But, you know, nobody's perfect. And it would be crazy if Bronte tackled all these issues, especially during this time frame. But yeah, it's definitely something to look out for.
Four stars because I found it boring to read at times but the plot was great & the characters were awesome & complex & formed really thoughtfully. :)
This book was GOOD. I love Charlotte Bronte and how she tackled really important issues during this Victorian period such as issues of class division (Jane was constantly in a state of unknowing really her place in the world), the hypocrisy of organized religion, and issues of gender stereotypes. Jane is a totaly rockstar character who does what she wants & stays true & respects herself through out this novel. Jane constantly faces the struggle of wanting to be loved & accepted but also trying to be independent & true to herself.
One of my favorite moments is when Jane leaves Rochester after realizing he's kind of a manipulative asshat. Speaking of that, I totallyy hated Rochester. WHO THE HELL TELLS A GIRL 'Hey, baby, you should probablyy get the hell out of here cause I'm gonna marry another woman and doesn't that upset you?' and HE KNOWS IT DOES BUT HE KEEPS MANIPULATING HER & then he admits he has feelings for her. WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL. And the fact that he dresses up as a gypsy & tries to get her to admit she has feelings for him.. Listen bro, its called you go up to the girl and say 'Hey, I think you're really pretty & awesome, do you feel the same about me?' I am well aware that this was a time where a relationship between Rochester & Jane was really inappropriate but I still think he was really manipulative of her.
His treatment of Bertha seemed cruel to me at first in terms of locking her in the attic, but it WAS a nicer act than putting her an an asylum. But he still used her for money. Again, I know this was a product of the culture. But I still think it's fucking rude
Rochester however does win major points for taking in Adele. Overall he wasn't AS big an asshat as I want him to be, I just don't think he should've ended up with Jane.
It annoys me that Jane just ran back to him at the end of the novel and was instantly like YES THIS IS GONNA WORK OUT LET'S GET MARRIED without even having a conversation really or a period of being friends to decide if a romantic relationship, let alone a MARRIAGE was gonna work out. That just seemed really unrealistic. But Jane also is her own person & she can do what she wants, and I guess if she's happy, I'm happy...
So yeah, overall I enjoyed this book. The writing is difficult and flowery and goes on forever but the story is good. I definitely rec commend getting yourself some Cliff Notes (if anyone wants, I will send you my copy which is in the paper form. just message me) or read the Sparknotes online. I'm just a fan of having a hard copy so I can write my own commentary all over the thing.
Oh & one last gripe- Bronte did a great job tackling religion & class division & gender but Jane was SO EGOCENTRIC IT WAS NOT EVEN FUNNY. Jane practically molded Adele to be the perfect little British girl instead of staying true to her French roots. But, you know, nobody's perfect. And it would be crazy if Bronte tackled all these issues, especially during this time frame. But yeah, it's definitely something to look out for.
Four stars because I found it boring to read at times but the plot was great & the characters were awesome & complex & formed really thoughtfully. :)
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Meine Güte waren die Männer unsympathisch. Und natürlich, wie von psychischen Krankheiten gesprochen wird... aber die Charakterbeschreibungen waren sehr interessant. Ich weiß jetzt nicht, ob man letztendlich von einem feministischen Ende sprechen kann😂 der Mann zwar abhängig von ihr, aber sie letztendlich seine Pflegekraft
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
**4.75
"It is in vain to say human beings ought to be satisfied with tranquillity: they must have action; and they will make it if they cannot find it."
dear reader, sit tight because i have a lot to say.
this story is beautifully written, albeit it somewhat slow, it had movement and the passage of time was so elegant. i rarely felt bored, since jane was one of my favorite main characters i've ever read from. i absolutely loved how charlotte brontë never made her settle for anything less than what jane believed she should have. she is a woman with talents and skills, which she never forgets! shes too competent to shy away from expressing her true opinions to men. jane eyre breaking any and all pushover allegations, thank god.
mr. rochester was another story. i've made my peace with him, since i understand the purpose he served to the narrative. my discomfort and distaste, though, was definitely still prominent throughout. i found him incredibly hard to read, very erratic, arrogant, etc.. that being said, it rarely took away from the story because it didn't entirely feel like a romance alone-- there was something more to be said about jane herself, and how she navigated trials; mr. rochesters flaws aren't entirely ignored either and, honestly, he had his romantic moments for sure (although he is NO mr. darcy).
i’d also be fake if i didn’t acknowledge my adoration for the aesthetic… SORRY but the gothic, victorian, northern english vibes were so peak.
the plot was surprisingly crazy-- i was not expecting the reveal, and several other things for that matter. the ending AGH. honestly, really good stuff. i would LOVE to read some of her other work in the future.
"It is in vain to say human beings ought to be satisfied with tranquillity: they must have action; and they will make it if they cannot find it."
dear reader, sit tight because i have a lot to say.
this story is beautifully written, albeit it somewhat slow, it had movement and the passage of time was so elegant. i rarely felt bored, since jane was one of my favorite main characters i've ever read from. i absolutely loved how charlotte brontë never made her settle for anything less than what jane believed she should have. she is a woman with talents and skills, which she never forgets! shes too competent to shy away from expressing her true opinions to men. jane eyre breaking any and all pushover allegations, thank god.
mr. rochester was another story. i've made my peace with him, since i understand the purpose he served to the narrative. my discomfort and distaste, though, was definitely still prominent throughout. i found him incredibly hard to read, very erratic, arrogant, etc.. that being said, it rarely took away from the story because it didn't entirely feel like a romance alone-- there was something more to be said about jane herself, and how she navigated trials; mr. rochesters flaws aren't entirely ignored either and, honestly, he had his romantic moments for sure (although he is NO mr. darcy).
i’d also be fake if i didn’t acknowledge my adoration for the aesthetic… SORRY but the gothic, victorian, northern english vibes were so peak.
the plot was surprisingly crazy-- i was not expecting the reveal, and several other things for that matter. the ending AGH. honestly, really good stuff. i would LOVE to read some of her other work in the future.
dark
funny
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced
Charlotte Brontë says ugly people can find love too! Also the men in this book are so dramatic lmao. Jane and Rochester are super silly with each other and it leaps off the page, I was pleasantly surprised by how charming their relationship was. Obviously some 19th century questionable plot points and some boring, long winded parts but overall I had a fun time reading this classic!
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really liked this one! Probably one of my favourite couples for any classic i have read so far