Wednesday, January 1, 1997

Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre published 150 years ago

Last updated 7/5/2020.

Jane Eyre

Charlotte Brontë

First Publication: 1847


Category: novel/themes on classism, sexuality, and religion


Sales: 1 million

Accolades (click on badges to see full lists):

About the Book:

“Immediately recognized as a masterpiece when it was first published in 1847, Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre is an extraordinary coming-of-age story featuring one of the most independent and strong-willed female protagonists in all of literature.” BN The book has been “criticized as being melodramatic and contrived,” AZ but “its success owes much to its exceptional emotional power.” LN It “is a startlingly modern blend of passion, romance, mystery, and suspense” BN “and is often the book that introduces students to serious literature.” AZ

“Cruelty, hypocrisy, dashed hopes: Jane Eyre faces them all, yet her individuality triumphs.” TG “Poor and plain, Jane Eyre begins life as a lonely orphan in the household of her hateful aunt. Despite the oppression she endures at home, and the later torture of boarding school, Jane manages to emerge with her spirit and integrity unbroken. She becomes a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she finds herself falling in love with her employer – the dark, impassioned Mr. Rochester.” BN

“Her integrity and independence are tested to the limit as their love for each other grows, and the secrets of Mr. Rochester's past are revealed.” LN A ”shocking revelation on her wedding day” AZ “tears apart their relationship, forcing Jane to face poverty and isolation once again.” BN “The happy ending finally arrives, though, and Jane and Rochester are united forever.” AZ “Her relationship with Rochester has such emotional power that it's hard to believe these characters never lived.” TG


Resources and Related Links:

In July 2018, I became the organizer of the Classic Novels Book Club. Check out the Book Club tab here or Meetup for more information. This is our February 2020 book.