After a troubled childhood, Jane Eyre becomes a governess for the ward of the dark and brooding Mr. Rochester with whom she falls in love.I lingered in the long passage to which this led, separating the front and back rooms of the third storey: narrow, low, and dim, with only one little window at the far end, and looking, with its two rows of small black doors all shut, like a corridor in some Bluebeard’s castle.A book finds its way onto my ‘favorites’ list when subsequent re-readings yield just as much, if not more, enjoyment than the initial read. I think the first time I read Jane Eyre was in high school, and though I’ve re-read it a handful of times since then, I’m always finding new, interesting tidbits about the work that I didn’t realize or appreciate before. I enjoy watching the progressive development of Jane’s character and her conscience; though the first time I read it, I remember being confused at the young Jane being so different from the older Jane. It’s only now that I’m older that I recognize the metamorphosis that took place in her as she matured. I also for the very first time noticed the quote above, its blatant foreshadowing, and the direct reference to my Project Fairy Tale story.Project Fairy Tale Connection:Poor girl marries wealthy, influential man? Check (sorta)! Jane has no money or connections, but Rochester is both rich and powerful; though unlike Bluebeard, his secret is revealed prior to their marriageMan has a secret he keeps from his wife(-to-be)?Check!Wife wonders what’s behind a locked door?Check! A door on the third floor is locked, and the mysterious servant Grace Poole works there. Strange things happen behind the door, but Rochester begs Jane not to ask.Other connections?Like Bluebeard, Rochester’s secret involves a prior wifeLike Bluebeard’s wife, Jane was “rescued” by familyOverall: A beautifully written and engaging classic.
An Excellent Library
After a troubled childhood, Jane Eyre becomes a governess for the ward of the dark and brooding Mr. Rochester with whom she falls in love.I lingered in the long passage to which this led, separating the front and back rooms of the third storey: narrow, low, and dim, with only one little window at the far end, and looking, with its two rows of small black doors all shut, like a corridor in some Bluebeard’s castle.A book finds its way onto my ‘favorites’ list when subsequent re-readings yield just as much, if not more, enjoyment than the initial read. I think the first time I read Jane Eyre was in high school, and though I’ve re-read it a handful of times since then, I’m always finding new, interesting tidbits about the work that I didn’t realize or appreciate before. I enjoy watching the progressive development of Jane’s character and her conscience; though the first time I read it, I remember being confused at the young Jane being so different from the older Jane. It’s only now that I’m older that I recognize the metamorphosis that took place in her as she matured. I also for the very first time noticed the quote above, its blatant foreshadowing, and the direct reference to my Project Fairy Tale story.Project Fairy Tale Connection:Poor girl marries wealthy, influential man? Check (sorta)! Jane has no money or connections, but Rochester is both rich and powerful; though unlike Bluebeard, his secret is revealed prior to their marriageMan has a secret he keeps from his wife(-to-be)?Check!Wife wonders what’s behind a locked door?Check! A door on the third floor is locked, and the mysterious servant Grace Poole works there. Strange things happen behind the door, but Rochester begs Jane not to ask.Other connections?Like Bluebeard, Rochester’s secret involves a prior wifeLike Bluebeard’s wife, Jane was “rescued” by familyOverall: A beautifully written and engaging classic.
