Why? Because she chose to marry him. On her terms, yet freely and unconditionally giving of herself. Jane Eyre is most definitely a feminist novel, though written within the social constraints of its time. Jane is such an interesting character to me because she remains honest with herself throughout the course of the novel. She is realistic enough to understand what motivates people, even when that motivation leads to acts of cruelty, but never once does she veer from the path set by her own moral compass. She is forgiving, but never condoning. She is patient and kind, but doesn't take kindly to being a doormat. She has the strength of character to bloom where she's planted, but can also give a pretty good (though very lady-like) telling-off, when necessary. She's a nurturer, but not at the cost of her own soul. She loves unconditionally, unimpressed by the standards and trappings of society.
That said, she is not perfect. Bronte gave her a wonderful "square peg" persona. I'm sure that in RL, she would be a little on the "strange" side. Too quiet, too enigmatic, too emotionally distant, and probably a fair bit annoying in a holier-than-though sort of way. She's not pretty, and she's too intelligent and edgy to be sweet and completely martyred.
I envy you to pieces, Soph. I love teaching English. That narrowly missed career opportunity will always be one of the great regrets of my life.
Such good points about the character of Jane Eyre!
probably a fair bit annoying in a holier-than-though sort of way
I loved this! Yes, probably so.
I'm actually a history teacher, so I'm sure I'll butcher the books in my discussion (only about 45 minutes for discussing the summer reading ... not enough time!).
I imagine it would be tough to switch careers when you have responsibilities to your family ... but do you have to give up on teaching as a career? From your posts, you sound like you'd be a fantastic teacher.
"Reader, I married him."
Why? Because she chose to marry him. On her terms, yet freely and unconditionally giving of herself. Jane Eyre is most definitely a feminist novel, though written within the social constraints of its time. Jane is such an interesting character to me because she remains honest with herself throughout the course of the novel. She is realistic enough to understand what motivates people, even when that motivation leads to acts of cruelty, but never once does she veer from the path set by her own moral compass. She is forgiving, but never condoning. She is patient and kind, but doesn't take kindly to being a doormat. She has the strength of character to bloom where she's planted, but can also give a pretty good (though very lady-like) telling-off, when necessary. She's a nurturer, but not at the cost of her own soul. She loves unconditionally, unimpressed by the standards and trappings of society.
That said, she is not perfect. Bronte gave her a wonderful "square peg" persona. I'm sure that in RL, she would be a little on the "strange" side. Too quiet, too enigmatic, too emotionally distant, and probably a fair bit annoying in a holier-than-though sort of way. She's not pretty, and she's too intelligent and edgy to be sweet and completely martyred.
I envy you to pieces, Soph. I love teaching English. That narrowly missed career opportunity will always be one of the great regrets of my life.
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probably a fair bit annoying in a holier-than-though sort of way
I loved this! Yes, probably so.
I'm actually a history teacher, so I'm sure I'll butcher the books in my discussion (only about 45 minutes for discussing the summer reading ... not enough time!).
I imagine it would be tough to switch careers when you have responsibilities to your family ... but do you have to give up on teaching as a career? From your posts, you sound like you'd be a fantastic teacher.
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