British author Charlotte Bronte wrote a coming of age story in 1847 entitled Jane Eyre. It was later described as an influential feminist text because of the in-depth exploration of a strong female character’s feelings. The plot follows young Jane Eyre from childhood to adulthood and her growing love for Master Rochester. This book was considered ahead of its time with the ideas of classism, sexuality, religion and proto-feminism.
Jane is an orphan living with her aunt and uncle’s family following the death of her parents who died of typhus. She is unloved here, excluded from family celebrations. After the death of her uncle, she is able to leave the house to attend Lowood School for Girls. Before leaving however, she declares she will never call her aunt her family again. This makes her aunt send word to the school that Jane is deceitful. A year or so in, the school is hit with typhus, Jane’s friend Helen dies.
After six years as a student and two as a teacher, Jane decides to leave Lowood. She seeks to become a governess. She finds herself at Thornfield Hall for Adele Fairfax, a young French girl. Then she meets Mr. Rochester and they come to discover they enjoy each other’s company. And strange things start to happen in the house.
Jane Eyre is the eighth book in Children’s Classics month.
Jane Eyre can be found in your local library, the website for the Bergen County Cooperative Library System can be found here or at your local Barnes and Noble in Hackensack.
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