Jane Eyre
An orphaned governess joins a mysterious estate, falls for her tormented employer, and uncovers chilling secrets beneath the walls of Thornfield Hall. Gothic, intense, and deeply romantic.
Tropes & Themes
About This Book
Orphaned at a young age, Jane Eyre endures a harsh upbringing under her cruel aunt, Mrs. Reed, at Gateshead Hall. Seeking a better life, she accepts a position as a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she educates young Adèle Varens. There, she meets the enigmatic and brooding master, Mr. Edward Rochester, whose mysterious demeanor and hidden past intrigue her.
As Jane and Mr. Rochester's relationship deepens, she uncovers unsettling secrets within Thornfield's walls, including unexplained laughter and a fire that nearly claims Mr. Rochester's life. Despite these ominous events, their bond strengthens, leading to a proposal of marriage. However, during the wedding ceremony, a shocking revelation about Mr. Rochester's previous marriage to Bertha Mason, a woman with a tragic history, threatens to tear them apart.
Faced with moral dilemmas and societal expectations, Jane makes a courageous decision to leave Thornfield, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and resilience. Her path leads her to unexpected family connections and a renewed sense of purpose, culminating in a reunion with Mr. Rochester under profoundly changed circumstances. "Jane Eyre" is a tale of love, mystery, and personal growth, set against the backdrop of the moody English countryside.
What Readers Say
Many readers praise 'Jane Eyre' for its complex characters and emotional depth, offering timeless insights into social expectations and personal morality. Fans note the novel's rich Gothic atmosphere and romantic elements, though some find its pacing slow and certain themes troubling, especially regarding age gaps and dark subject matter. Readers appreciate the strong, independent protagonist, Jane, and the novel's exploration of themes like love, morality, and social class. Some readers find the vintage language challenging, which may require patience and careful reading to fully appreciate the story. Content warnings include themes of child abuse, isolation, and dark subject matter, which may be disturbing to some readers.
Rating Distribution
Based on 170 Open Library ratings
Reader Reviews
5 curated reviewsHEATHER
Mar 22, 2001
This deserves 105 stars!!!!!
I chose to read this novel over my spring break and it turned out that reading it was about the only thing I could do. Upon picking up the gargantuan book I was a bit wary of the read, but after reading the first paragraph I was enchanted and further lured on. Bronte did a wonderful - no - fascinating job of creating such a strong, honest, and demanding character as Jane Eyre. Even as an orphaned child, in the care of her abhored aunt Reed, Jane displays such an immense amount of passion and creativity. These characteristics are further refined and blended with a touch of integrity as Jane suf
Nanx Hedwerp
Nov 4, 2003
Powerful windswept novel of revelation and passion
Although I found this novel a bit too windswept, making it hard to turn the pages in an orderly fashion, I was awe-struck by its darkly gothic mood, the barely suppressed passions of its characters, and the threat of violent transgression that seems to haunt every scene like a towering shih-tzu.My gym teacher used to warn me about books like this. One morning after dodge-ball, he pulled me aside, put his hand on my shoulder, and said, "Son, I know your English teacher is having you read a lot of gothic Victorian novels about frightened young women who fall for mysterious, unattainable men with
E. A Solinas "ea_solinas"
Apr 28, 2009
It is Jane Eyre, sir
It's hard to imagine a better gothic romance than "Jane Eyre" -- gloomy vast houses, mysterious secrets, and a brooding haunted man with a dark past.In fact, Charlotte Bronte's classic novel has pretty much everything going for it -- beautiful settings, a passionate romance tempered by iron-clad morals, and a heroine whose poverty and lack of beauty only let her brains and courage shine brighter. And it's all wrapped in the misty, haunting atmosphere of a true gothic story -- madwoman in the attic and all.Jane Eyre was an orphan, abused and neglected first by relatives, then by a boarding scho
Bookphile
Aug 29, 2007
One of the very best
I have been passionate about Jane Eyre for going on twenty years now. It captured my imagination as a young teenager and it continues to capture my imagination as a grown woman with a child of my own. I read it probably about once a year and every time I read it, I find more to love. The story is timeless and the themes are relevant even in today's world which is certainly a mark of Bront's prodigious talent and insight.This is a feminist tome in so many ways. Right up front, we are told of Jane's plainness and in an age when being pretty was about the best a woman could hope to be, this is an
Anonymous Reader
Mar 5, 1999
Addictive book
When I first read Jane Eyre in high school, my initial reaction was one of ennui. I thought the book was a little slow with a heroine in serious need of some self-esteem lessons. However, after I finished it, I found myself wanting to read it again, and again, and again! Now, I am thoroughly addicted. I probably read the book at least once a year. After the second reading, the reader learns to appreciate the beautiful language and wonderful plot devises that make for a ripping good story. I now understand Jane and Rochester in accordance with their societal upbringings and their ability to ove