Jane Eyre Revisited

Abstract

In 1847 Jane Eyre, Charlotte Brontë’s first published novel, at once captivated readers and to this day commands the admiration of the world’s reading public. Understandably one of the world’s great love stories, it is much more besides. It is the purpose of this article to explore implicit themes in the novel that, together with the pseudo-biography, lift the love story to a work of a much wider significance, a significance that may well help us understand the novel holding its high place in the world’s esteem. Consideration of the social context of Jane Eyre in no way diminishes the great love story; on the contrary, it illuminates the rich ‘embroidered’ cultural tapestry before which that story is displayed. The central concern of the novel, finding a voice and validity for the ‘ordinary’ or common person, is still with us and ensures the continuing fascination that accompanies the orphan’s progress and the great romantic tale of Jane’s and Edward’s tortured paths. The theme of inheritance will further be explored and finally the overall artistic confidence with which the whole novel is imbued will be considered.