Jane Eyre Response

A love story and a mystery, Jane Eyre is a fantastic novel. Though, for me, it definitely started out a little dry. The first part with Mrs. Reed and Lowood, was very dark and dampening. Jane's prison in both situations translated to my own being and began to frustrate me immensely. But the writing was superb, with vivid descriptions and relatable feelings in every scene and so I endeavored on. After Helen's death the book really took off for me. She was on an adventure and her excitement was palpable! And from here on I have been totally engrossed in the story, devouring every romantic snippet between Rochester and Jane, lapping up all the mystery of Grace Poole, and enjoying every adorably childish action of Adele. The romance has particularly captured my attention. The way that their love was not immediate, and was therefore based neither on impressions or appearances (had it been so, neither would have fallen so greatly for the other), but was instead manifested out of sincerity in conversations and personality as a whole. Their love is so inexplicably powerful and I think I was drawn to that because isn't that what we all long for? To find someone with whom there is a connection that neither party made, nor that could ever be broken, no matter distance or time. This is what was so very special about this unpredictable love between 2 exceptionally ordinary people. Also intriguing to me (and what has perhaps kept me reading most vigorously) is the mystery of Grace Poole. A decidedly creepy character, she is always lingering in the back of Jane's mind, and consequently our minds. Even during all the hub-bub leading up to the party, Jane inserts her feelings of disquiet about the silent spirit and her observations. It appears that no amount of distraction can completely wipe away the feeling that there is something we (Jane and us as readers) do not know. There is some unexplained relationship between Rochester and Grace Poole that I am positively ravenous to discover.

Another thing that has surprised me about this book is the way in which I, as a reader, have been engaged so fully. Everything that Jane goes through, I seem to be able to fully relate to as if they were my own experiences. Her feelings too, of restlessness, adventure, despair, joy, love, loneliness, resonate strongly with me. This is odd, however, because I have never done or felt much of what Jane has. I believe that it is all in Charlotte Bronte’s writing. She makes her language so accessible but still keeps it interesting and vivid, allowing us to become Jane or at least completely engross ourselves in the book to the point where we can imagine ourselves physically in Jane’s position.

Overall I am thoroughly enjoying this book and can not wait to continue reading to discover the mystery of Grace Poole and to see what becomes of Jane’s and Rochester passionately contained love.