Tolog Review: Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre
by Charlotte Bronte
reviewed by Emily Curley

“To believe in something, and not live it is dishonest.” Mahatma Gandhi’s quote exemplifies the characteristics of love explored in Charlotte Bronte’s novel Jane Eyre. Bronte frequently analyzes the values that the main character’s posses. These values of honesty and trust result in the unpredictable passionate love between the young and plain Jane Eyre, and the strong intimidating Edward Rochester. Through her writing, Bronte not only engages the reader, but also leaves them constantly wanting more, this is a must read. 

The author begins the novel by providing the reader with a clear understanding of the main character, Jane Eyre, and her dreadful life as an orphaned child. She was mistreated and abused by her Aunt Reed, as well as other members of her family. Jane eventually discovers herself in the hands of Mr. Edward Rochester, working as a tutor for the young Adele. Jane and Mr. Rochester form a faithful and deeply meaningful love like no other. Just when you think Jane finally found an environment full of love and support, a terrible event occurs. This tragedy leaves the characters in the novel with no choice, other than to separate. 

The separation of the characters increases their mutual desires to be reunited. However, Edward realizes that if he had made different decisions, and had been honest with Jane from the start, all of these problems would be absent from his life. Nonetheless, Edward’s character realizes that if he told Jane these secrets, they would never have experienced the love they had for each other. 

Charlotte Bronte not only captures the essence of what it means to be in a relationship, but she also identifies what it means to discover and create an identity. Thus, the reader is left with questions about finding one’s authentic self within a relationship. The lack of trust and abundance of love are common themes in this novel and they leave the reader with a clear understanding of the important role that trust plays within relationships. If you enjoy dramatic romances full of light and meaning, Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre is a perfect fit for you.