This week’s Old School Sunday entry comes my favorite classic lit book of all time, Jane Eyre. I’ve probably read the novel at least five times. Back in college, when I first divulged in this story, I was, in fact, dating an older (and perhaps wiser) man. Thus, Jane and Mr. Rochester’s relationship resonated with me.
Says Rochester, during one of his many exchanges with Jane:
“You never felt jealously, did you, Miss Eyre? Of course not: I need not ask you; because you never felt love” (161).
An interesting notion. It’s incredible to know that the same mix of sweet and evil emotions that accompany love have barely changed through the centuries.
Elizabeth Gallagher → in Glass & Windows
theintrinsicwriter 
Would you believe I’ve never read “Jane Eyre”? I’m embarrassed to admit that. But I suppose it’s never too late. 🙂
Oh wow! If you ever get a chance, crack it open! Trust me it’s worth it 🙂
Find a second hand bookstore or one that sells sets for less.Barnes and Noble for instance.It’s never too late and you’ll be so glad you read this that you too will want to read all by This prolific writer and others of those times.It’s pure fascination at it’s best!<3
Hi Mary, thanks for stopping by. I agree…it is pure fascination! On my iPad I get some of the classics for free. Love it!
You are so lucky Carrie! It’s probably my favourite book of all time. I’d love to read some classics now without having read them before… Wuthering Heights, The Man in the Iron Mask, Anna Karenin, Pride and Prejucdice. Just great, great stories.
Yes, I know what you mean. I really wish I go back and experiences some of these stories for the first time. I’d love to read Lady Chatterly’s Lover without having experienced it before!
I had a hard time the first half of Jane Eyre, and almost put it down because her life was just too desolate to read about. I was so glad I didn’t give up on it! A great story, and one that certainly resonates today, as women are still forced to choose between love and honor. It’s been so long since I read this one, it makes me wonder what I would take away from it if I read it again.
I guess that’s what makes them classics–they always shine no matter how much time has passed.
Exactly. That’s what I find so amazing about revisiting these stories. It’s like despite all the changes, the world remains at a constant. The first half of the book is a little dreary. Especially when she’s at the Lowood School…and her nasty aunt and cousins! But actually that’s what drew me in right away. Jane Eyre was always so awesome because it blended romance and Gothic traditions.
I LOVE Jane Eyre. Okay, one more time: I LOVE Jane Eyre. I read that book about six or seven times growing up, and I still have it on my “featured” bookcase (yes, I actually call it the Featured Bookcase, with all of my favorites on it in the living room). I even liked the movie with Fassbender, though I didn’t expect them to pull it off. Such a great book. Thanks for reminding me!
I know, isn’t it the best? It’s got everything. It’s funny, sad, romantic, spooky. Just an amazing tale. I completely cherish the novel 🙂
Strange how emotions play off one another. I think you truly have to love before you can hate, and that the more strongly you feel one, the more capable you are of feeling the other. Interesting post. 🙂
Today’s the day… 😉
Thank you! Yes, you’re right. Emotions do play off one another. They say there are four main emotions: fear, sadness, happiness, and anger–and the rest are all distant cousins–some being more closely related than others.
Wow!! You brought back some memories with this one. — >Showing my age. LOL LOL
I really really LOVE “Jane Eyre”. In fact, my friends and I, very often discuss the sweet and indifferent conversation of Rochester and Jane. Great plot, amazing character sketching and identifiable situations/circumstances.
I know, I do too! I loved the dynamic between Jane and Rochester. You’re right–“sweet and indifferent” is a good way to describe it. Somehow it manages to be both!