Jane Eyre - Charlotte Brontë

Charlotte Brontë only written four great books. But if she ever wrote a book with her passion and spirit, it is Jane Eyre. I haven't read all his books, but enough to be assured that it is so. Charlotte Brontë is well-known for her gender roles and feminism writing and satirical social class and Inequality. But in Jane Eyre, her writing is beautiful, passionate, and sincere. She blends romance, gothic mystery and social criticsm making it both personal revolutionary work.

The story of Jane Eyre tells about Jane’s life from her hard childhood until she becomes an independent woman. She faces many struggles, learns about love and self-respect, and always tries to stay true to her own values. The novel is told by Jane herself, so we can really feel her thoughts and emotions. The book also tells about other people around Jane, which helps us see what life was like in the Victorian time. We can see the difference between rich and poor, how women were treated unfairly, and how hard life was for many people. It also talks about family, love, and morals, which makes Jane Eyre feel like a complete story about life.

Jane Eyre has a very hard childhood. She is an orphan who lives with her cruel aunt and mean cousins. They treat her badly and make her feel alone. Later, she is sent to Lowood School, where life is tough and the girls don’t get enough food or care. Even though it’s hard, Jane stays strong and learns to be brave and kind. Her difficult childhood helps her grow into an independent woman.

When Jane becomes an adult, she works as a governess at a big old house called Thornfield Hall. The house is dark and mysterious, and strange things happen there. The owner, Mr. Rochester, is a serious man, but Jane grows to love him. Later, she finds out there is a dark secret in the house that changes her life.

As I’ve said before, Brontë talks about many issues in this novel, and class difference is one of the most important. Jane comes from a poor background, while Mr. Rochester is rich and belongs to a higher class. Their love shows how strong the class system was in Victorian times — people believed a poor governess should never love or marry her wealthy employer. Through their story, Brontë shows the unfairness and hypocrisy of society’s views on class and love.

Along stay in Thornfield Hall, Jane met Rochester's relative during the house party, this part really makes me feel sorry for Jane. She is smart and kind, but people treat her badly just because she is poor and only a governess. Even when they look down on her, Jane stays calm and proud. This shows how strong she is inside, and it makes me admire her even more.

“Women are supposed to be very calm generally: but women feel just as men feel; they need exercise for their faculties, and a field for their efforts as much as their brothers do; they suffer from too rigid a restraint, too absolute a stagnation, precisely as men would suffer.” (Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre, Chapter 12)

Jane Eyre’s story still has a strong resonance for women, even can teach the twentieth century woman. Like Jane, many modern women want to live with  independence and equality. Jane teaches that women can choose their own path, speak their mind, and value love only when it comes with respect and fairness. Her story reminds today’s women to stay true to themselves and never lose their dignity, no matter what challenges they face.

The passion of Jane Eyre always reminds me of myself — as both a career woman and a housewife. Even though I have a husband and a family, I still want to earn my own money and stay independent. Like Jane, I believe that everything in this world, even my husband and children, belongs to God. That’s why I keep standing strong, no matter what happens. I keep believing in myself and continue to love who I am. Therefore, this book resonates deeply with me.

“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.” (Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre, Chapter 23) 

Ruang Buku Megga Rated : ✬✬✬✬✬(5/5)

Title : Jane Eyre

Author : Charlotte Brontë
Publisher : Penguin Classics

Year :  2006 (First Published in 1847)
Format / Pages : Softcover / 624 pages
ISBN :  9780141441146