After finishing Wuthering Heights and exploring the many different adaptations, I moved on to the next novel. It is none other than the masterpiece written by the other Bronte sister, Jane Eyre.

I first read Jane Eyre when I was in elementary or middle school. To be completely honest, I didn’t remember the details even though I read the book. But I did have a sense of achievement and pride in completing the classic early on in my life. And I foolishly considered myself knowledgeable on the novel as I knew the basic plot. But after reading up to chapter 21 in the past few days, I cannot believe I had thought so.

I had missed so many points and details; I had glossed over so many scenes!

Upon my second reading (and halfway into it), I realized that I did not know Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre half as much as I believed. I think reading the novel again as a more mature reader is allowing me to fully absorb the content. This time, I’m observing all the wonderful nuances and minute details. My younger self had even skipped over the vocabulary that I did not understand at the time, which no doubt, led to my limited understanding of the plot.

Anyways, I am at the part where Jane is called to return to Gateshead as Mrs. Reed is about to pass away after the demise of her spoiled son John. The John who tortured Jane in the very beginning of the novel. And as I read this part, I can’t help but think how talented the Bronte sisters are! They have long been established as such by numerous individuals, so this statement isn’t original at all. But I must mention the fact here after being infatuated by Emily Bronte and Charlotte Bronte’s novels more than once.

Hence, I can’t help but wonder if there is something wonderfully unique in the English society.

Numerous classics have emerged from England, from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens to Jane Austen. Even Shakespeare is from the island! Although they do have the advantage of writing in English, which is the language of the globe presently, I do think there is something unique in their society. Something that leads to the emergence of countless talented authors with original, timeless plots. I have a feeling (based on multiple observations) that the uniqueness is from the poor weather (that limits many leisure activities except reading) as well as from the high regard for books in England. I would love to explore this topic in further detail. But for now, I must return to Jane Eyre!

P.S.

I am viewing clips from the BBC’s 1983 Jane Eyre while reading the book (for pure amusement). It’s incredible how accurate the television series is! Zelah Clarke is the perfect Jane Eyre and Timothy Dalton is the perfect Edward Rochester. The casting of the actors is on-point and their performance is delightful as well as powerful. <3

Here is BBC’s website showing the history of Jane Eyre on screen!