tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.comments2013-09-30T18:04:49.870-07:00Novel Meanderings of an AcademicStacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-67325591597127296822013-09-30T18:04:49.870-07:002013-09-30T18:04:49.870-07:00Count me as in another one who found the book endi...Count me as in another one who found the book ending with St John's letter weird. <br /><br />I love how Charlotte Bronte depicted the different 'strains' of religion through the characters of Helen, Mr Brockelhurst, Eliza Reed and St John. The last three have the most in common, yet have their differences as well. Very interesting!<br /><br />First readalong as well and I had a great time! :-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-48452147393751962332013-09-30T15:31:53.846-07:002013-09-30T15:31:53.846-07:00I actually ended the book feeling completely happy...I actually ended the book feeling completely happy, when normally I would feel the way you did--"Oh, it's over?!"<br /><br />I also felt it strange that Bronte ended with the letter from St. John, so I'd be interested in reading other bloggers' thoughts on this as well. - Maggie @ An American in FranceAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-71871575948438777692013-09-27T07:40:46.809-07:002013-09-27T07:40:46.809-07:00I wasn't a big fan of Jane's coldness towa...I wasn't a big fan of Jane's coldness towards Rochester, but I like your theory that it was Bronte's way to foreshadow the doomed wedding. Sadness indeed :( - Maggie @ An American in FranceAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-87503805174976757802013-09-24T09:00:35.328-07:002013-09-24T09:00:35.328-07:00"However, I believe some of these same qualit..."However, I believe some of these same qualities also constitute her downfall." YES! Definitely this. I understand how she came to the decision to flee in the middle of the night (mostly) and why she did it, but I still don't think it was particularly wise.Kerry Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10624436758426097032noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-76568899529861126722013-09-19T16:41:19.182-07:002013-09-19T16:41:19.182-07:00Thanks for the comments ladies! The new ideas you...Thanks for the comments ladies! The new ideas you are bringing out are making this re-read truly delightful!<br /><br />As for my Austen comment . . perhaps I shall back-track a bit :) ? I agree that Austen's novels criticize the society of the time. Regardless of the social commentaries, I find Jane Eyre quite sad and emotionally involving whereas I remember Austen's novels full of silly laughing girls. But perhaps those need a re-read as well. Maybe my "old" age makes me more emotionally aware less than a love-struck teenager. Hmmm . . .Stacyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-14531494652369582432013-09-19T08:55:56.897-07:002013-09-19T08:55:56.897-07:00I agree with your describing the story as Jane'...I agree with your describing the story as Jane's 'coming of age'; everywhere we turn and look it all comes back to her. It's like everything that happens about her is just another way to move her character forward.<br /><br />Agreeing with Maggie here, I think Jane A had lots to say about life in her time beyond 'romance', she just said it, IMO, in a lighter and more humorous, and less overt way.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-87340567657686000152013-09-18T10:56:08.189-07:002013-09-18T10:56:08.189-07:00Nice post. I think Jane was being smart to remind...Nice post. I think Jane was being smart to remind herself that she was not in league with Rochester. She's strong willed and smart, but she's also a governess with no family, no money, no place in society. In fact, she wouldn't know society if she tripped over it, she's so far removed from it. In her day, the governess did not Ever marry the lord of the manor.<br /><br />Rochester didn't just play the part of the gypsy. He also played the part of host to families that are in his social sphere. Blanche and Jane both got their due when he was the gypsy. While Blanche was unhappy with the straight truth she got handed to her, Jane was informed that she was loved and that what she thought she'd never have, was only out of her grasp if she didn't reach for it. JoanneMarie Fausthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16751278640738482830noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-71097254922424298782013-09-17T19:18:55.130-07:002013-09-17T19:18:55.130-07:00Ooh! I get so frustrated when Rochester doesn'...Ooh! I get so frustrated when Rochester doesn't disagree with Blanche when she's being particularly insulting. <br /><br />Great choice with the quote at the end of the post. That's one of my favorites.Madeleinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17519967366809055038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-35994246265731461252013-09-17T15:37:05.316-07:002013-09-17T15:37:05.316-07:00Nice post! I liked your description of Jane Eyre a...Nice post! I liked your description of Jane Eyre as a coming of age tale. And I agree, it's incredible how Bronte beautifully wove together so many different subplots :)<br /><br />I sort of disagree about Austen's novels being purely romantic, though. Of course, Jane Eyre is gothic and Austen's novels are not (Northanger Abbey may be, but that's the only Austen novel I have yet to read so I can't speak for that one), but I have found myself comparing Jane Eyre to both Pride and Prejudice and Mansfield Park and there are many similarities in their deeper themes and social commentaries. - Maggie @ An American in FranceAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-74634971020671854392013-09-13T12:09:47.123-07:002013-09-13T12:09:47.123-07:00I wish I remembered more from my first reading. It...I wish I remembered more from my first reading. It's been so long it's like a new novel all over again. I'm glad you're enjoying your re-read and the blogging community that comes with events like this one. :) Andihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05220718933942181809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-28380062741500862762013-09-12T18:21:13.180-07:002013-09-12T18:21:13.180-07:00Stacy,
I couldn't agree with you more! My gra...Stacy,<br /><br />I couldn't agree with you more! My grandparents gave me the entire Anne of Green Gables series in paperback whilst I was growing up as well as the adaptations on boxed video!! I was so grateful and so overwhelmed with Anne's evolving story! I was always happy that I had the chance to get to know her! I am finding that most of the books I grew up with (there is a small list of them in my comments I mentioned earlier for Chapters I-XI) are the same as your finding: no one knows about them!<br /><br />I want to re-read Anne of Green Gables at some point, which is why I'm including it on my tCC List!! :) And, I am wayy ahead of you!! I cannot wait to get up to PEI!! Ooh, did you watch the series "Avonlea"!!?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-15142353431938005872013-09-12T18:17:43.917-07:002013-09-12T18:17:43.917-07:00Joannne,
I am going to put Twist on my Classics C...Joannne,<br /><br />I am going to put Twist on my Classics Club list next year! I have a small edition of the story, and its one of the books I always had meant to read!! I was happy to see your comment here, as to know a bit of what I shall find inside!<br /><br />Thank you!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-28354624950749038232013-09-12T18:15:22.321-07:002013-09-12T18:15:22.321-07:00Hallo Stacy!
Ooh my goodness, you & I saw the...Hallo Stacy!<br /><br />Ooh my goodness, you & I saw the Anne connection! I mentioned this, as well as others' who struck me as holding a close resemblance to Jane in the commentary section of my post!! I only highlighted a few instances in my review, as I wanted to focus more on the story at hand than the cross-references! Like you, I am drawn to strong female characters, and inevitably, they are not only orphaned by resilient!! <br /><br />I am not sure if I would classify Eyre as being oppressively dark, as of yet, but I would say, that Eyre had a very difficult beginning, and she is burdened with circumstances and occurrences that are surely outside the normal sphere for most! Its my first time reading it, although I do know the story! I am trying to write down the differences from the adaptation I saw originally and the book I am now reading, but to be honest, I think I have forgotten most of the specifics!? Laughs.<br /><br />I am happy to see that your first 'event' in the book blogosphere is so enjoyable!! I have found my niche with these events, and I am thankful that the blogs I am keeping up with are always cluing me in to new events that are coming along next!! Be sure to check out my *Absorbing Lit* page and my left sidebar, in case you see something in the next months and want to join in!! I did learn, that I'm best with 'one read-a-long + one reading challenge!'!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-36867791754559819912013-09-12T06:28:47.131-07:002013-09-12T06:28:47.131-07:00You MUST read Anne of Green Gables. I'm gener...You MUST read Anne of Green Gables. I'm generally astounded when I find young women who have 1)don't know about it and 2) haven't read it. And when you've finished it, I'd suggest visiting Prince Edward Island and the house that inspired the stories. It's absolutely gorgeous!Stacyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03790133535820728546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-1319501151408671372013-09-10T18:21:44.255-07:002013-09-10T18:21:44.255-07:00Ok, you're the second (or third) person to bri...Ok, you're the second (or third) person to bring up Anne of Green Gables, so that one is moving up my list. I've never read it!Kerry Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10624436758426097032noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-16687361352713383992013-09-10T18:20:53.016-07:002013-09-10T18:20:53.016-07:00Oliver Twist is another good comparison.Oliver Twist is another good comparison.Kerry Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10624436758426097032noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-18462465021944742922013-09-10T11:28:04.621-07:002013-09-10T11:28:04.621-07:00I was LITERALLY just reading Jane Eyre while takin...I was LITERALLY just reading Jane Eyre while taking a bubble bath!! <br /><br />And I love your Anne of Green Gables connection :) very keen observation on how orphans endure and persevere extreme trials. Personally, I adore Anne Shirley, so I think I will adore Jane Eyre as well by the time I finish the novel. - Maggie @ An American in FranceAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-65901225172174782722013-09-10T09:49:08.382-07:002013-09-10T09:49:08.382-07:00Great post. Some of the other discussions within t...Great post. Some of the other discussions within the Septemb-Eyre blogs discuss whether or not Jane Eyre can be considered a gothic novel and it totally is a gothic novel. The ghostly visages and gloomy settings and things that go bump in the night are part and parcel of the gothics.<br /><br />As to the resilience of orphans, you've compared her to Anne and Kerry at Entomology of a Bookworm found many similarities to Harry Potter. I find myself recalling Oliver Twist and how he remained so good and honest, despite all of the horrible situations he found himself in. Jane is strong, she's a fighter and has the will to not just survive, but thrive. This coupled with her sense of self and justice make her one of my absolute all time favorite literary characters.JoanneMarie Fausthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16751278640738482830noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-78147653701017128722013-09-10T05:19:51.228-07:002013-09-10T05:19:51.228-07:00"I’ve been doing most of my reading in the co..."I’ve been doing most of my reading in the comfort of a bubble bath .." - Insanely. Jealous. Ok, moving on ... *sniff*<br /><br />Jane's resilience is another thing to really admire about her; she may be bent but she will not break. I'm both anxious for the future trials she will face and excited to see how she deals with them. On to part two!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-24183207615506206652013-09-05T10:00:26.680-07:002013-09-05T10:00:26.680-07:00Hi Stacy, this is my first event as well and it...Hi Stacy, this is my first event as well and it's so cool going 'round to the different blogs, getting everyone's take on reading Jane Eyre, whether for the first time or, like you, as a re-read. I'm having so much fun; I see more readalongs in my future ;-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-82446066713727201062013-09-05T04:27:25.999-07:002013-09-05T04:27:25.999-07:00Hello, I'm a first time reader as well! It'...Hello, I'm a first time reader as well! It's encouraging for me to know that I'm not the only one haha I look forward to reading along with you :) - Maggie @ An American in FranceAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-5036205950298061742013-09-03T17:54:58.055-07:002013-09-03T17:54:58.055-07:00Another re-reader and first time read-along partic...Another re-reader and first time read-along participant! I can't wait to see what you think of it this time.Madeleinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17519967366809055038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-21264150913194637072013-09-03T09:18:54.940-07:002013-09-03T09:18:54.940-07:00Welcome to your first blog event...the first of ma...Welcome to your first blog event...the first of many! I haven't read Jane Eyre before so I'm looking forward to this one. Shanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02506630755594111578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-27329134881255419672013-09-03T06:09:17.344-07:002013-09-03T06:09:17.344-07:00So glad you can join us -- and hope your first blo...So glad you can join us -- and hope your first blogging event is a success! Kerry Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10624436758426097032noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632736803097157403.post-742436248760087972013-09-02T21:53:54.920-07:002013-09-02T21:53:54.920-07:00Hallo Stacy!
I am a fellow Septemb-Eyre girl (as...Hallo Stacy! <br /><br />I am a fellow Septemb-Eyre girl (as we do not yet have a bloke joining us!), who wanted to visit all the lovely blogs of those readers who are taking part in this month's read-a-long!! :) This is my first read-a-long, but my third, er, fourth blogosphere event, strike all of that!! I have participated in: Austen in August, Bout of Books, 8.0, The Reading Hour, The Clockwork Carnival, and alongside this one, I am participating in Books of Eyre, too! That brings the total to: six! :) Go me! <br /><br />Yet, I haven't read the *same book!* as a collective read ever which makes this event especially sweet! I am looking forward to visiting back on Mondays to see what everyone has posted about! It will be rather keen to see all the different observations filtering out, eh!? :)<br /><br />I love your special copy of Jane Eyre! And, despite the fact that I know something of the story, this is my first time reading the book!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com