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How to Read Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre (Patreon)

Published:
2023-09-30 20:13:06
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2026-06
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Content

Today we're meeting Charlotte Brontë and discussing how best to approach the masterpiece of Victorian literature that is Jane Eyre.

Our reading will teach us about love, identity, growth, class, gender relations, independence, the gothic, and much more. And readers who are currently making the acquaintance of Shakespeare, Milton, and Ellison will find this novel to be an exciting complement. 

In this spoiler-free video, we're talking about discovering the author in the work, reading the Brontë sisters collectively, poetic prose, romantic longing, sympathy, vicarious experience, recommended editions, pacing, and much more.

So, as the autumn season is upon us, let's put a few logs on the fire and immerse ourselves in some powerful imaginative literature together.

Video Timestamps:

  • 0:00 why read Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre?
  • 2:00 on the first reading experience
  • 3:00 making the acquaintance of Currer Bell
  • 5:00 fiction as a lie that tells the truth
  • 6:00 getting to know the Brontë sisters
  • 8:00 life in the village of Haworth
  • 9:00 poems of Currer, Ellis and Acton Bell
  • 10:00 how the Brontës created their own worlds
  • 12:00 reading the Bronte sisters collectively
  • 13:00 composition and publication of Jane Eyre
  • 14:00 Charlotte Brontë keeps her identity secret
  • 16:00 ‘allow me to introduce you to Jane Eyre’
  • 17:00 ‘when we are struck at without a reason…’
  • 18:00 channeling romantic longings into art
  • 20:00 unrequited love in Charlotte Brontë’s letters
  • 24:00 Charlotte Brontë biography recommendations
  • 26:00 comparing Rochester and Heathcliff
  • 27:00 reading and writing as vicarious experience
  • 28:00 the rich imagination of Charlotte Brontë
  • 30:00 on the gothic elements in Jane Eyre
  • 32:00 gothic, secrets, and antiquated spaces
  • 33:00 Edward Rochester as byronic protagonist
  • 35:00 influence of the Romantics on Brontë
  • 36:00 Brontë’s desire to create a plain heroine
  • 39:00 sympathising with the central protagonist
  • 41:00 ‘millions are in silent revolt against their lot’
  • 44:00 the novel’s powerful cry for equality
  • 45:00 connecting to the quest for self identity
  • 46:00 governesses, marriage, and self-mastery
  • 48:00 orphan status and the human condition
  • 50:00 relationship between reader and writer
  • 51:00 the heroine’s psychological complexity
  • 53:00 ‘conventionality is not morality…’
  • 54:00 violating every code human and divine
  • 55:00 recommended editions of Jane Eyre
  • 56:00 the theme and structure of Jane Eyre
  • 57:00 recommended reading pace for Jane Eyre
  • 59:00 Jane Eyre as immersive reading experience
  • 1:00:00 thank you and preparatory questions for you

Recommended Resources:

  • Recommended Edition: Throughout our guided reading, I will be using the excellent Penguin paperback edition, but do feel free to use whichever edition comes most easily to hand. The Oxford World's Classics edition is also superb.
  • Biographies: We're spoilt for choice when it comes to biographies of Charlotte Brontë. Claire Harman's biography is excellent, and so is John Pfordresher's The Secret History of Jane Eyre. And Elizabeth Gaskell's The Life of Charlotte Brontë is a classic work in its own right.
  • Audiobook: There are many great narrations of this novel, but Juliet Stevenson's audiobook is worth checking out first. She always does a tremendous job with her readings.
  • Discussions: You might wish to check out our video on Gothic Literature here. And if you're interested in learning about Charlotte's sister Emily, then we have a discussion about her here.
  • Film Adaptations: Once again, we have a fantastic amount of choice when it comes to adaptations of Jane Eyre. I personally favour the 2011 film with Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender, but it's definitely worth sampling a few and seeing which ones move  you the most.
  • Reading Assignment: Our next discussion will cover the first volume of Jane Eyre, which is comprised of chapters one to fifteen. So start dipping into the work, meeting the characters, and noticing any themes, ideas, or passages that resonate with you.

Questions for You:

1) What is your current relationship with Charlotte Brontë? Is this your first reading or a rereading of this masterpiece?

2) What are you hoping to get out of your deep reading of Jane Eyre?

3) What themes from your wider reading would you like to pull into this work?

Happy reading, everybody!

Files

Previews only

How to Read Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

0:00 why read Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre? 2:00 on the first reading experience 3:00 making the acquaintance of Currer Bell 5:00 fiction as a lie that tells the truth 6:00 getting to know the Brontë sisters 8:00 life in the village of Haworth 9:00 poems of Currer, Ellis and Acton Bell 10:00 how the Brontës created their own worlds 12:00 reading the Bronte sisters collectively 13:00 composition and publication of Jane Eyre 14:00 Charlotte Brontë keeps her identity secret 16:00 ‘allow me to introduce you to Jane Eyre’ 17:00 ‘when we are struck at without a reason…’ 18:00 channeling romantic longings into art 20:00 unrequited love in Charlotte Brontë’s letters 24:00 Charlotte Brontë biography recommendations 26:00 comparing Rochester and Heathcliff 27:00 reading and writing as vicarious experience 28:00 the rich imagination of Charlotte Brontë 30:00 on the gothic elements in Jane Eyre 32:00 gothic, secrets, and antiquated spaces 33:00 Edward Rochester as byronic protagonist 35:00 influence of the Romantics on Brontë 36:00 Brontë’s desire to create a plain heroine 39:00 sympathising with the central protagonist 41:00 ‘millions are in silent revolt against their lot’ 44:00 the novel’s powerful cry for equality 45:00 connecting to the quest for self identity 46:00 governesses, marriage, and self-mastery 48:00 orphan status and the human condition 50:00 relationship between reader and writer 51:00 the heroine’s psychological complexity 53:00 ‘conventionality is not morality…’ 54:00 violating every code human and divine 55:00 recommended editions of Jane Eyre 56:00 the theme and structure of Jane Eyre 57:00 recommended reading pace for Jane Eyre 59:00 Jane Eyre as immersive reading experience 1:00:00 thank you and preparatory questions for you

Comments

Rebekah Sunday

The moment I’ve been waiting for all year!!!! 😍 I had a prof in college who literally had Jane Eyre memorized. Her enthusiasm was definitely contagious! This is going to be a BLAST

Emma S.

One of my favourites! I'm a huge Brontë fan, and wrote about this one and Wuthering Heights many years ago for my dissertation. So looking forward to rediscovering it. If anyone is interested Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is a great companion book, as she was very much inspired by Charlotte's tale. Both are wonderful books for the darker and spookier months too!

John W.

I’ve been waiting for this all year.

Kyle Woitas

Can't wait to start this one. Have wanted to read Jane Eyre for years.

Tatiana Chicareli

I have been waiting for this moment too! Finally going to meet the work of Charlotte, since have already read the other sisters. Having also Shakespeare and Milton by my side, I think it is going to be very interesting!!! Thank you Ben for your work again!!! Reading great literature with your comments guides us through an amazing journey.

Nancy M

Yay, I've been checking daily for this one. I used to be a big fan of Wuthering Heights, but as I get older Jane Eyre seems to have more depth. Can't wait for the discussions.

Tara Rumo R

I just read Jane Eyre last year, so excited to reread with this groups insights as companions!

Emily White

This will be a re-read for me but I last read it about 20 years ago just after finishing University. I am looking forward to reading it again now I am older and perhaps a little wiser

Anna

This is a re-reading. I read Jane Eyre for the first time in high school and I loved the story so much that I didn’t stop there. I went on to read Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, which I also loved. I have so many quotes from Jane Eyre in my head to this day and I use it all the time in my conversations even when people have no idea what I’m saying. 😃 “I need not sell my soul to buy bliss.” “It is a pity that doing one’s best does not always answer.” “Every atom of your flesh is as dear to me as my own: in pain and sickness it would still be dear.” “Do you think I am an automaton? A machine without feelings?.. Do you think, because i am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong!”

hardcoreliterature
>>118731612

I am so happy to hear that, Rebekah!! I’m incredibly excited to read Jane Eyre with you! It’s definitely going to be such a blast. And that’s seriously so cool that your professor had this great novel memorised ☺️

Meera

This is the first time I’m reading along with the club and I cannot wait! I picked up Jane Eyre around this time last year but wasn’t able to properly immerse myself in the book because of how busy I was, so it’s exciting to get back into it alongside other readers!

Tena Sue

This is my first Charlotte Brontë book, and i'm excited about reading it!

hardcoreliterature
>>118731972

Wow! I’m so excited to hear your insights as we read this masterpiece, Emma. I love that you chose Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights for your dissertation. That must have been so fascinating to research and write. And tremendous recommendation of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca! One of my favourites. I’m very much due a reread :)

hardcoreliterature
>>118732346

Thank you so much, Tatiana!! I really appreciate that and I am so excited to hear what you make of Charlotte’s great novel. I would be so keen to know which sister’s work resonates with you the most ☺️

Cindy Hayes

I have been looking forward to Jane all year. It has been sitting on my desk tempting me to cheat and read it early, but with great restraint I have waited for the club. I cannot promise that I will read her slowly any more than I would promise to taste a chocolate cake by small bites. Jane Eyre has alwys been one of my favorite books and I am so glad we are reading her now. I first read this book in my high school lit class. As luck would have it, my teacher for all four years of high school was a woman who loved the classics and assigned them on a weekly basis to her students. I already had a great love for reading, but she threw fuel on the fire and ignited a passion that would never be quenched. It was in her class that I met Jane Eyre. She also had us reading all three of the Brontes, Shakespeare, Dickens, Milton, Tolstoy, Eliot, and so many more. I thank God for the four years of Miss Brown’s lit class and will say without a doubt that she taught me more than all my university literature teachers put together. I read Jane Eyre the first time in one weekend. When I started her , I could not put her down. In the years since, I have reread the book a number of times, however not in the last 5 years. What I look forward too most is seeing an old friend. Thanks for choosing this one.

Cai Vail

I’m so looking forward to following along with the lectures and discussions, Jane Eyre was my entré into Victorian lit at age 15 and has continued to be a favorite in the many years since. I was a nanny for much of my teens and twenties and had a definite emotional connection with Jane. I reread it just last year so it’s still quite fresh in my mind. I’ve somehow never seen the adaptation with my Hollywood crush Fassbender, so that’ll be great fun too. I’m going to be reading Trollope’s The Way We Live Now and Collins’s The Woman in White this month, so it’ll be a very Victober-y October. I’m not sure how complementary either of those will be apart from the era. Last year I read Rebecca at this time, which was spooky autumnal perfection. The “romance tinged with fear on a chill night heavy with fog, a dark mansion looming in the distance” literary aesthetic is second only to the “wistful musings upon the brevity of life in a field at golden hour” in my book. Looking forward to some cozy fireside reading with Charlotte and all of you wonderful folks!

Chrissy

Another happy little bookworm here. Jane Eyre is my favourite book. After only a few pages in, I felt as if I was meeting myself (a better version). I can’t wait to read this with you all! I’m going to have to sit back from your fire though, Ben. It’s going to be a brutal 36°C in Sydney today.

hardcoreliterature
>>118732724

I can definitely understand that, Nancy! Emily’s great novel seems to speak to youth, but Charlotte’s work truly does have an extraordinary amount of depth to it. I can’t wait to hear your insights as we read this great book together :)

Jenny
>>118737252

I have The Women in White to read alongside Jane Eyre this coming month too. It’s been 30 years since I read them so they are both long overdue a reread.

hardcoreliterature
>>118733058

I can’t wait to hear what you make of the work this time around, Emily. You’ll be bringing so much lived experience to Charlotte Brontë’s great work. It will be very exciting to see what resonates with you now!

Hazel Sun

I looked through the comments and was happy to see that I’m not the only one that had never read Jane Eyre. Although it seems I’m in the minority. I actually have two editions - the penguin classics deluxe edition with really cool artwork on the cover, and also fourth Norton classical edition which I purchased for the cover itself. It has a picture of May Prinsep on the cover and it caught my attention because she kind of looks like…me. It’s eerie. This one has a lot of extra stuff along with the text of the novel itself. Can’t wait to dig into all of it. But anyway, I’m looking forward to this reading. I do like strong minded women that like to go against the grain. Hopefully it’ll be a favorite.

Erika Kozlowski

This is my all time favorite novel and I've never had a discussion with others about it. I can't wait!!!

Seyca Manza
>>118737713

It has been my favorite book for decades and the reason I joined the bookclub in the first place.

Seyca Manza

I had to read this book in middle school and it has been my favorite ever since. It is the reason I invested in this bookclub. I am so excited for my billionth reread!

Constance Stanton

Looking forward to this! I’ve read this book many times, most recently about 6 months ago. What comes through for me is Jane’s indomitable spirit throughout the book. Regardless of her life circumstances and insecurities, Jane holds on to the core of who she is and what she values. (This may be the link for me between Invisible Man and Satan in PL.) I haven’t read anything by Anne Brontë and really disliked Withering (sorry….Wuthering) Heights, both as a book or a film. But in all fairness, I haven’t tried to read WH in decades and perhaps might see it differently now. I appreciate the biographical and historical context Ben supplies in his lectures. I’ve read a lot of gothic stuff but never really learned about it as a genre. (BTW, Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey is a hoot!) So I will check out the back catalog on gothic and WH. I also have maybe 5 video versions of Jane Eyre in my movie collection. I do like the one starring Mia W that Ben mentioned. The filmmakers made some interesting editorial choices about sequencing the story, so I wouldn’t watch this one unless you’ve read the book first, especially if spoilers are an issue for you. My overall favorite in the 2006 4-part BBC TV series starring Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens.

Sharon

I began reading Jane Eyre for the first time last autumn, but as is my habit, I put it on hold after watching Ben's video about our 2023 schedule, because I wanted to read it along with the group and listen to the discussion. I genuinely fell in love with the book, so I'm overjoyed that we're starting it now! I'll be flying out next week to the New England states for an art workshop, which aligns with their fall foliage season. (I might be a bit ahead of the peak.) I listened to Thandiwe Newton's narration when I read it last fall so I will continue on with that audiobook. I'm only halfway through Invisible Man (loving it!) so IM and Jane Eyre will be perfect travel companions for my plane flights and road trips.

Sean

So excited for your analysis of this! I think this is probably my favorite novel :)

Terri Matter

This book is another favorite of my youth, and is probably the book I have reread most in my life. I found Jane’s intelligence, independence, and courage quite irresistible. It has been about 20 years, I think since I last read it. I am interested to see how my relationship to the story will be affected by changes to my personal priorities that accompany heading into old age. I also cannot recall any conversations with men who had read or would admit they had read Jane Eyre, so I look forward in engaging with that rare breed during our discussion.

Cindy Hayes
>>118735011

I am so jealous of you. I wish this was the first time I came to this book. I cannot wait to see what you think of it.

Jenny

I found this such a sad lecture to listen to. What dreadful times the Brontë’s lived in and what pressure they were under to provide for themselves. It seems that a lot of great literature comes from adversity. 1) This will be a rereading of Jane Eyre for me but it’s been about 30 years since I read it and 20 years since I’ve seen a film version so I don’t remember the entire story. I have read 5 or 6 of the Bronte novels but often get confused by which sister wrote which book. I hope that becoming more familiar with each sisters background helps me to remember who wrote what and also to notice their individual styles. 2) This will be my first deep read of this book and I am looking forward to delving into the various themes within the book such as the social class structure and women’s status as well as the impact religion has on a married woman. 3) I am also hoping to gain a greater understanding of the Byronic influence on this novel and literature in general. I am planning on delving into Byron’s poetry alongside Lindy Millers Mastering Practical Criticism which I have recently started studying.

M. C.

Super excited about this one Ben and my dear fellow readers. I'm working through Invisible Man and of course my super slow read of Paradise Lost. Enjoy, Maria

Chrissy

As for my preferred male protagonist, I’m going to vote for that prototype for tormented toxic masculinity- Heathcliff. He’s by far the more intriguing of the two, and I totally understand why Cathy fell for him. Rochester, on the other hand, doesn’t seem worthy of Jane at all, and to my eyes, reads as a watered down version of Mr Darcy. (Sorry, Charlotte, I know that was unfair) Both Heathcliff and Rochester are literary pin up boys, but don’t think I’d really want either of them to be a part of my life.

Cindy Hayes
>>118749784

Iagree that I want neither of them as part of my life. I think I would rather have Rochester than Heathcliff, maybe because I honestly was not the biggest fan of WH.

Anna Rowe

I read Jane Eyre in my 20's and liked it well enough but I didn't feel the love that so many people feel for this book. So I decided to read it again a few years ago to see what 30 years of maturity and life experience would add to my reading of this novel. Unfortunately my feelings were about the same. I like many things about the book and always admired the pluck that I could sense in the writing but it seemed like there was a constant stream of melodrama that took the shine off the book for me. I feel left out of the Jane Eyre admiration club and I've been saying for a few years now that I would like to read it again with a group. I'm hoping to gain some insight that I clearly haven't picked up on my own. I think reading it with this group will be very helpful to me. Looking forward to this.

Anne M

I first read Jane Eyre in middle school and loved it. I last read it in college almost 40 years ago (yikes!) and wrote a paper on it. Really looking forward to revisiting it! Very interesting lecture, Ben!

Serena

I'm so glad you find Jane Eyre riveting too. I love reading Jane Eyre, which I once thought the biography of many women's thoughts and feelings. But the story is not limited to gender. Hunh? You ask if we prefer Heathcliff or Rochester? This feels like a Rorschach test. Do I prefer the pirate bondage of Rochester or the explosive violence of Heathcliff? Heathcliff would still be throwing stuff in my face years later. Both would be romantic to date briefly, but neither is relationship material. Our Byronic heroes are seductive on the big screen or in novels and honeymoons, but they're not really relationship material. I love the thrills, but fear the ills. Good for the page or the stage but not for the sage. Wait. Heathcliff was handsome wasn't he? Well. Nah. But... If they are the only two men left after the zombie apocalypse, I guess I would choose to walk on eggshells with Rochester. But I would investigate whether he helped cause his first wife's psychic break before any commitment. Your talk was stellar I feel so rich after hearing your lectures. You pick the best biographical details of our writers. I can just smell Haworth and feel a greater sympathy for the Brontes. And I now want to read all three biographies of Charlotte Bronte recommended. I'm so glad you spoke about Romanticism also. I knew about the period, but you tied details specifically to our reading. I learn so much from you, and you help make our reading so much deeper. This club is a happy experience.

Erica Solomon

I have been looking forward to reading Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre. This will be my first reading of it. I watched the 2011 and 1997 film versions of it shortly prior to my joining the Hardcore Literature Book Club earlier this year. The 2011 version is my favorite of the two and what sparked my interest in reading the book. But I have been waiting to read it, so that I could read it along with the book club:). I also have been wanting to read Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights and am looking forward to listening to Benjamin’s lectures as I read it. I hope to get to that book soon.

David Campbell

This will be my first read of Jane Eyre. I read Wuthering Heights earlier this year, and am interested to see the contrast and comparison with her sister’s writing. I am also excited to dive into the gothic during the fall, and have been reading Edgar Allan Poe and plan to read Frankenstein (and see a local play of it) this fall as well. I’m looking forward to reading this together with the club.

Colleen

Since I taught high school literature, I have read Jane Eyre many, many times. Each and every time I read it I tried to enter the story as a new reader, and it never once disappointed. It was always a treat to watch as students begrudgingly read the first few chapters and then to witness the change as they allowed the story to capture them! I’m looking forward to reading with all of you, to hear your comments…especially those of you reading for the first time as adults. But also…hearing from those of you who have loved this story for decades. And, to read this with Ben’s comments will be like eating crème brûlée after a great meal!

Mike

I have never read Jane Eyre, but I love the film adaptations of the novel. My favorite is the 2011 version, but I recently watched the 1996 version with William Hurt as Rochester and Charlotte Gainsbourgh as Jane Eyre with Anna Paquin as the young Jane Eyre. I enjoyed both versions very much, but I have to give the nod to the 2011 film for conveying a more Gothic feel and slightly better acting. My wife and I watch the 2011 version at least once a year. I love Jane Eyre for her stoicism, courage, and unwillingness to bend her convictions despite the many betrayals and heartaches she experiences. She is an unstoppable force and one of literature's most admirable and lovable characters. Despite her plain looks, she has reservoirs of inner beauty and strength. I consider Rochester a most fortunate man and undeserving of such a woman. I'm looking forward to devouring this book, getting to know Charlotte Brontë a bit, and seeing where the book differs from the film adaptations.

Annie

I adore Jane Eyre! I remember reading "There was no possibility of taking a walk that day" for the first time, not knowing what to expect and making a random connection with The Cat in the Hat where "the sun did not shine./it was too wet to play./so we sat in the house/all that cold, cold, wet day." I remember my second read and thinking I am Jane Eyre! I remember reading it again many years later and thinking I am Bertha Mason! I remember reading and seeing the othering women endure. How chilling that understanding! I don't know if my heart can ever recover: I love, love, love Jane Eyre!

Jane

I have reread all three sisters ´ major novels this year and Agnes Grey was a first for me. You are so right when you say the sisters should be read collectively it does add depth. Jane Eyre I have read several times but only superficially it seems to me so it s high time for a deeper study of it. I dislike Rochester so that makes Heathcliff a much more dominant figure although I m not a huge fan either. I have been waiting for this lecture series on Jane Eyre so thank you Ben yet again.

Penelope Gough

I am a little concerned that I have taken on too much as am still reading Invisible Man and trying to do justice to Paradise Lost. Cannot resist this one, however, as have not read it since about 1980 when it was a set text for English 101. Before that I read it at school, even longer ago! Earlier this year I read Villette which is still haunting me. Now I am looking forward to rereading The Professor as did not know the history behind it and Charlotte’s unrequited love for her professor. This, Ben, was a brilliant introduction and I must join in with the reading. I do not like Heathcliff. Wuthering Heights was the set novel in my last year of school. Have re read it several times but he has never been a hero I can feel good about. I will be interested to be reacquainted with Rochester. Thanks!

Caroline P

Hello, what fun this is going to be! I have a complicated relationship with Jane Eyre, which I have read many times and will thoroughly enjoy reading again. I love it …but i find it also soooo frustrating. I don’t feel it is right to compare, but I find Wuthering Heights to be wild, passionate and wonderful, I have found Jane Eyre to be corseted in its sensible restraint. It is like a friend who always channels their frustrations and anger in the correct and disciplined way, while I want to scream and rage and generally let the side down with rebellion. I won’t say more because of spoilers but Charlotte and I have difficult conversations. I really look forward to a reread with the group and the conversations we will have.

Caroline P
>>118754602

Hahaha! Rochester and Heathcliff, the last men standing after a zombie apocalypse! I think Heathcliff gets a bad rap. Mismatched he would be a horrible nightmare… but with a soul mate I think he would be incredible.. so it is Cathy or bust for him.

Clare Shepherd

I was amazed that although I had rea this book before, when I read the opening chapters last night, I couldn't remember it. However, it was 20 years ago. I have read "Wuthering Heights" several times. I am a great admirer of Jane Austen's work, so have read her six novels more often. As always it will be great doing a deep dive with Ben. I have an ebook from Gutenberg of the Gaskell's biography of Charlotte and a hardback of Harman's wonderful biography. I looked for an ebook of the Pfordresser book, but it was £16, and the hardback twenty, so I found a secondhand copy. I prefer a "real book" for our main reads but ebooks don't take up room in my already overcrowded with books house so are good for supplementary books. Sometimes I get a cheap or free ebook to test the water. If it is a book I shall reread, refer to, then I buy the book. I have the letters too in ebook form. I too am concerned about PL, Ellison and now "Jane Eyre", but cracked on with JA and Ellison yesterday, plus my daily Milton and Shakespeare, so all good at the moment. This year has been a wonderful reading experience. HINT FOR BEN: I hope next year we do more Bronte, maybe in the Autumn, pretty please.

hardcoreliterature
>>118734566

That is so amazing, Anna!! I can really feel your love for this masterpiece. I love the fact that you carry so many quotes around with you. When a great book really resonates with us, the lines sear right into our souls :)

Elizabeth Madden
>>118767580

How interesting. I was thinking about this book earlier, and I have always had a similar impression of Charlotte and her writing, especially in comparison with her two younger sisters. Although one can see in both this book and in Villette that she was a passionate woman, she always seems to be struggling to restrain and keep her passions in check lest they run away with her. Maybe because she was the oldest sister still living, she felt a greater desire to be 'respectable' and 'responsible'?

Elizabeth Madden

I have read this book several times already and have studied the works of all three sisters, but as I always enjoy the lectures and reading the various comments, I will keep an eye on this. I am also a student of Gothic literature so I will find the exploration of the Gothic here very interesting.

Terri Matter
>>118771115

It is bonkers right! A year ago my reading consisted of only audiobooks, and never more than one at a time, and now here I am readingShakespeare, Milton, Ellison, and Brontë simultaneously, along with other myriad enrichment works! So wonderful!

hardcoreliterature
>>118736298

This was so beautiful to read, Cindy! Your deep love for Jane Eyre comes through so strongly. It sounds like this is one of those special books that really work their way into our souls. God bless your high school teacher Miss Brown! I was very fortunate to have a high school teacher who also inspired and influenced me more than any of my university professors and I think about their classes every single day :)

hardcoreliterature
>>118739858

That is so exciting, Erika!! I'm so happy we get to enjoy your favourite book with you :) I can't wait to hear your insights along the way!

hardcoreliterature
>>118740339

I'm so excited to read your favourite book with you, Seyca! I can tell this is going to be a really special reading experience because this is a favourite for so many readers :)

hardcoreliterature
>>118740643

This is such a brilliant appreciation of the book, Constance! I cannot wait to reread it with you again :) Wuthering Heights is an interesting one because I've heard quite a few readers change their opinion on it significantly over the years, but I can completely understand being averse to it. I feel like readers end up having a strong preference for either Charlotte or Emily's work. And that is such a brilliant point about the film adaptation. Definitely one to watch after reading the book for first time readers! I also adore the 2006 BBC television series. Ruth Wilson is always fantastic!

hardcoreliterature
>>118741918

I'm so happy to hear you fell in love with the book, Sharon. You're in fabulous company because it sounds like a lot of readers here are deeply in love with Jane Eyre too. It's going to be such a fantastic reading experience and I cannot wait to hear your thoughts as we move through it together :)

hardcoreliterature
>>118743922

I'm so thrilled that this is a favourite for you too, Terri. I'm tremendously excited to hear what you make of it twenty years on. I'll bet your love for this masterpiece will deepen as you'll be bringing so much to the work! And that's a very interesting point about not having discussions with men about this one. I can't say I've had many discussions with my fellow men either, so I'm so excited that there are so many guys here who adore this book so much. It's going to be such a fascinating discussion!

hardcoreliterature
>>118744378

There really was so much tragedy in the lives of the Brontës. I find it difficult to read biographies of their lives because of this. I definitely agree that great literature springs from hard times. I'm so thrilled that you're pairing Jane Eyre with Byron's poetry and Mastering Practical Criticism. Inspired choices :) I'm very excited to hear what you make of this great work and what resonates with you thirty years on, Jenny!

hardcoreliterature
>>118751445

Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Anna! Different books will definitely resonate with different readers at different times, so don't worry if you're not smitten with Jane Eyre :) There definitely is a lot of melodrama running through the work. George Lewes warned Charlotte against indulging in melodrama and she decided to embrace it anyway. I'd love to know if your response changes with this reread and am very excited to hear your thoughts!

hardcoreliterature
>>118753183

Wow! That's incredible, Anne. Such a fantastic book to write a paper on :) And thank you so much. I'm incredibly excited to hear your thoughts on this great novel. I'd love to know what resonates with you now forty years on!

Elizabeth Madden

If anyone is very interested in the Gothic aspects of the book, I recommend reading the Routledge Companion to the Gothic by Spooner and MacEvoy, especially the chapter on Gothic Femininities, which has an enlightening section about Jane Eyre.

hardcoreliterature
>>118754666

I'm so excited to hear your thoughts on this masterpiece, Erica. The 2011 film is absolutely phenomenal. If you loved it, then you are really going to love the experience of the book because there's so much more in there. It would be so wonderful to know what you make of Wuthering Heights too and if you favour one over the other. I find that readers usually have a strong preference when it comes to the Brontë sisters :)

Elizabeth Madden

How interesting. The Gothic novel is often regarded as a predominantly female genre and I have counted 32 female responders and only 4 males so far! It will be intriguing to find out how the different genders interpret and respond to this book.

hardcoreliterature
>>118757284

It is so exciting that this is your first read, David. I'm incredibly keen to know what you make of it and how it compares with sister Emily's great work. They are fascinating to think about together. Your autumn reading sounds perfect to me. Jane Eyre, Frankenstein, and the short stories of Edgar Allan Poe. It doesn't get any better than that!

hardcoreliterature
>>118757946

Thank you so much, Colleen. As crème brûlée is my favourite desert, this comparison has absolutely made my day :) I am so thrilled that you love this book so much and am incredibly excited to reread it with you. That experience of watching your students going from begrudging study to captivated reading must have been so rewarding! This is definitely a book that I would feel very comfortable putting in the hands of people who are averse to classic literature. It has a very powerful and magical pull!

hardcoreliterature
>>118759409

I love the fact that you and your wife have a yearly ritual of watching the 2011 film, Mike. I can totally see why! It's truly such a masterful adaptation. I completely agree that they nailed the Gothic feel and the acting is superb. I'm very excited to hear what you make of the book. If you've loved the film adaptations, I have a feeling that you're going to love the book even more!

hardcoreliterature
>>118760103

Wow! You have such a beautifully deep relationship with this powerful work, Annie. I'm so excited to hear your thoughts as we live through it again together :)

hardcoreliterature
>>118760479

Thank you so much, Jane. I'm so excited to hear your thoughts as we read through this great work together. I love that you reread the major novels of the Brontë sisters this year. That is such a cool reading project and one that will lead to a very powerful reread of Jane Eyre!

hardcoreliterature
>>118764452

Thank you so much, Penelope :) I really appreciate that and it sounds like your reading is going superbly well. I love that you read Villette this year! I'm incredibly excited to hear your thoughts as we read Jane Eyre together. I will be fascinated to know what parts of the story resonate with you the most this time around!

Karen Bird

Jane Eyre is a favorite. I don't know how many times I have read it, but each time I find something new.

Francoise

I first read Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights in my early teens and both books became instant favorites. I’ve reread Jane Eyre a couple of times since then, the last time in my late twenties- nearly 25 years ago! Strange fact: since that time, in my mind, the plot of Jane Eyre has become almost completely intertwined with that of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca (many similarities) so that II find it impossible to keep them apart. A good reason to reread. In addition, I’m a big fan of gothic novels and have read many since the last time I read Jane Eyre, so I hope that will help me appreciate the gothic elements of the novel more.

Julie Grimes

I have read this book--A LOT. This may be my 15th reading of it? I first read it when I was 11 and did not like it. (As an 11 year old, I was very disturbed by the Rochester/Jane age difference). But, unless a work so wholly disgusts me, I always give it a second chance. So, I think I read it two more times and decided I still didn't like it. Then, when I was 15 and a friend was going into raptures over it, I gave it another go and loved it. I reread it every two to three years now, and last read it 2.5 years ago. For those who have read my comments, you may remember how much I talk about the influence of Byron on subsequent literature. Charlotte Bronte, SPECIFICALLY in Jane Eyre, is the only author (at least that I have read) to defeat BOTH sides of the Byronic hero: Manfred/Magician, Bully Lover and Childe Harolde/Superfluous Man. Hugo, Hawthorne, Emily Bronte, and Charlotte's other works take on the former; and the Russians very much take on the latter, but only Jane Eyre takes on both and beats them (Hawthorne's Scarlet Letter almost gets there). And I cannot go fully into that payoff until the last chapter of the book!!! But, it's SO good, I promise. Unlike The Professor and Villette, Jane Eyre is glancingly autobiographical. This is why it is better than the two aformentioned works. The Professor and Villette are so heavy with Charlotte's life that the stories struggle and are deeply claustrophobic. For those not steeped in 19th C history, I will put that scathing review of Jane Eyre in context. 1848 was a year of great upheaval throughout the world. There were revolutions and uprisings across Europe: France saw a new Republic, Italy attempted to oust Austria, Hungary and Poland had uprisings for independence, Piedmont and Prussia were forced to issue moderate constitutions, and Metternich, the mastermind of the reactionary period of Europe, was forced to resign. Marx and Engels published The Communist Manifesto. And in the Americas, the U.S. stole a 1/3 of Mexico, gold was discovered in California, and the first Women's Suffragette meeting was held in Seneca Falls. To the Western mind, 1848 was a scary time to have a strong female protagonist in open revolt against TPTB! If you're ever in a trivia match and have to name a date in the 19th C that something big happened, you've got a pretty good chance of getting the answer right if you say 1848. For those of you who have read Jane Eyre before, you might also greatly enjoy Gilbert and Gubar's take on the novel in their critical work The Madwoman in the Attic.

River

I want to jump out of my skin in regret at never having been introduced to this classic, Jane Eyre, as well as several others that I am reading here with the HCLB (mostly because of the intensely scientific areas of my career). But at the same time, and definitely more so, I am rejoicing once again, for having found this beautiful, insightful and deep-reading club, with remarkable Ben at the helm, and all of you here. I thoroughly enjoyed this introduction! I think of the authors of our most recent reads alone, with Milton, Keats, and now, Charlotte Bronte. They all struggled with either blindness, early death, and/or illness, yet they all persevered with strong passion to express their creative minds. I am in great awe and gratitude of their accomplishments and great success. One can truly keep them in mind when we have our own setbacks, big or small. Well, I can relate to the rebel spirit, and the passions and imagination, so I can't wait to dive in!! Thank you, Ben!

Ann Lowe

Thank you again Ben for a magnificent lecture. This will be a reread for me, and I have always loved this book. I can definitely relate more to Charlotte's writing than Emily's. When I was in my teens I was happy to find that the heroine was not beautiful. I also had crushes on my history teacher and piano teacher, so very interesting about Charlotte's history. I've always been independent and a free thinker, but in a more quiet way. The cruelty of the leading figuees

Ann Lowe

Sorry...figures of Withering Heights made me withdraw emotionally and appreciate it more for its gothic attributes. I am absolutely loving Invisible Man, but struggling a bit with Paradise Lost. I can't wait to dive again into this wonderful piece of literature. I am enjoying placing more works in this treasure trove of 1800's writings. I am also enjoying this theme of alienation and invisibility. This cultural obsession with how one looks, the color of their skin, their status or gender, and even their religious beliefs continue to be so destructive. I recently read Withering Heights and Frankenstein, and listened to Ben's prior podcasts, so I'm now ready for another gothic reread.

Vicky

I have read Jane Eyre a good few times maybe 4 or 5 at different points of my life starting in my teens. Every time I focus on something different. It feels like coming home with a nice cosy blanket ❤️ there’s the wonderful Thandiwe Newton reading available too. Although my heart is with Anne and Tenant, I can recognise that JE is probably more skilled writing as such - reading Wide Sargasso Sea a few years back was a wonderful experience too. Scenes from this book flash to mind all the time - the scene at the opening with the book of birds, the scene where Jane looks for a place to stay (I won’t say too much) ❤️

Jan Mariolle

It has been many years since I read this book as a teenager. I can hardly wait to revisit it as a mature adult. However, occasionally a great work can pierce our hearts and ignite long suppressed anxiety while opening wounds long thought healed. Wuthering Heights was that book for me. I pushed on with that work with an unsettled spirit and couldn’t wait to turn the last page. Many of us do not reach maturity without experiencing heartbreak, abuse, or cruelty, but if we have remained true to ourselves through all change in fortune, then finding one’s self alone and content can be seen as an enviable state. This being said, a succinct, beautifully written passage can churn my memories, roughly fling me back to an unforgiving shore. This is my experience of living the great books. I can hold the human experience in my hands and wisely measure out my dram.

Caroline P
>>118790865

Hello Françoise, i have read this and Rebecca many times but I never made the connection before. Now I have read your comment I can see more and more that they are very similar. I will enjoy thinking about that as I reread Jane Eyre.

Ellen M

I’ve patiently been waiting to dust off my penguin copy of Jane Eyre! I don’t know how many times I’ve read it - this time around, between the wonderful lecture and my knowledge of the life of Charlotte and the Brontë family, will be so much richer. I was amazed at the similarities between Charlottes teacher and Jane/ Mr. Rochester Themes of female independence and equality in relationships are what I’d like to explore- but even more so, the effect that circumstances of birth have on our lives. I won’t risk divulging spoilers so I’ll just add that reading Jane Eyre will be like visiting an old friend again. I have always leaned toward team Emily/Heathcliff but the older I get the more I adore Mr Rochester’s prickly demeanor. Very much looking forward to our group commentary !!

Ellen M
>>118822136

Wise words Jan, and a lovely post. The power of great literature to ‘fling me back to an unforgiving shore’ - that is a phrase I will think of often- beautifully said .

Colin ellesmere
>>118791974

Do you have a good link to explore the two sides of the Byronic hero? We are about to read Jane Eyre and your post seems to call out to be aware of Byron.

Marda

I'm really looking forward to this. I love Jane Eyre and have read it a handful of times. I have annotated my Barnes & Noble Classic edition heavily including creating a title for each chapter. I look forward to dipping into this masterpiece again with Hardcore!

Kristen Egener Chaddah

Ben, your background into the novel presentation adds tremendously to my understanding. I look forward to this reread. I first read Jane Eyre in my teens and it immediately became my favourite novel. For years if asked I would say Jane Eyre was my very favourite novel. Now, I’m on the doorstep of entering into the power of this story again. Will it stand up? Will I be as enthralled as I was the first time? Since you encourage us to reread books many times over throughout the course of our lifetimes, I am hopeful that I will be greatly rewarded by a return to my beloved Jane Eyre.

Elizabeth Madden
>>118793985

Ann, such an interesting Freudian slip in mistyping Wuthering as Withering- I sense that's how those characters made you feel. Can you elucidate on your responses to them a bit more, as I find these things everlastingly intriguing.

Elizabeth Madden

Reading everyone's comments and seeing how engaged everyone is, I have decided to reread the book and listen to the lectures. I am sure this will be fascinating.

Kristen Egener Chaddah

Another thought, this about unrequited love. I believe that unrequited love is really the love we withhold from ourselves. I read earlier this morning about Elizabeth Gilbert (writer and author of Eat, Pray, Love), her practice of over 20 years of writing love letters to herself from herself and this has been fundamental to her peace and well-being.

Susan James
>>118839734

I love this idea of creating titles for every chapter. I do that too! It really helps me with annotation.

Susan James

Thandiwe Newton does a spectacular rendition on Audible as well!

Ellen M
>>118792442

River, You’re very fortunate to be experiencing Jane Eyre for the first time! This is going to be fun:)

Ellen M
>>118850128

Glad you decided to join Elizabeth! I thought for a nano second that if I skipped it I could catch up on other books, but realized that’s nuts since I’ve been waiting for this read all year :)

hardcoreliterature
>>118848529

Thank you so much, Kristen. I appreciate that tremendously! I'm so excited to read your favourite novel with you. I'm very keen to discover if it holds up for you too. I have a feeling that it will and it may even deepen this time around! :)

hardcoreliterature
>>118828771

I'm so excited to hear your thoughts as we make our way through this masterpiece, Ellen! Rereading a favourite book really does feel like visiting an old friend. I love the fact that that so many here have a really special relationship with Charlotte Brontë. It's going to be a very rich and rewarding conversation!

Elizabeth Madden

I often find that the very first sentence of a book can reveal much about what is to follow. I would love to hear from first-time readers what that first sentence suggests to you.

Justin Ordoñez

Feel a little behind but the book should be to me in a few days. I'm still only 600 pages into Count of Monte Cristo. Skipped Milton and Invisible Man. Plan to circle back once my Shakespeare read is thru. But I do not want to miss Jane Eyre. War & Peace and Jane Eyre are why I signed up. I loved Wuthering Heights by Charlotte, and have had my eye on Jane Eyre since. I had it in a stack of books to read but they're in storage now since I moved--so the Penguin Classics is on the way. Actually, full disclosure, I have the Penguin Deluxe classics version of Jane Eyre here rn; but, this group got me into marginalia, and I don't want to do that with the deluxe classics version. It's too pretty, IMO. I have the normal classics version on the way. So basically I will own three copies of this book before even reading it, but no doubt, when I signed up last December, I was thinking, "Can I hold out a year to read it??"

Nigel Burmester

Jane Eyre has been a favorite of my wife's for years, but I hadn't read it until four years ago. I listened to an audio version and absolutely loved it. I was completely pulled into the story and was gripped and cheering for Jane all the way to the end. I'm excited for this read through with HLBC. I've only been here a month but already feeling that my reading experience is so much richer thanks to Ben, and to the community here - thank you! So I think for this read I'm hoping to take it slow and appreciate Charlotte's writing, and some of the issue's she was putting her finger on. I've been reading Invisible Man along with the crew here, so I'm interested to see the parallel's in character development and the search/fight for identity in both Ellison's protagonist and Charlotte's. Also I liked how Ben pointed out that both authors are fighting for equality, one racial and the other between the sexes.

Jaye Cee

I have read Jane Eyre, but it was so long ago I can't even remember when, so at least ahead of starting, I remember almost nothing. That said, I did study The wide Sargasso Sea at university, so some elements of Jane Eyre are in my mind even though I remember little of the story. I hope to read along, but may start a little later, since I'm only half way through Monte Christo, and I think it will take up the same type of reading space in my mind. I think what I want to get out of it is along the lines of what I’m trying to get out of most of the books on this programme, that there are gems hidden in classics which I didn’t have a concept before, and now I want to go treasure hunting. In regards to themes tying to other books, I’m maybe most interested in how writers linguistically build character, tension, love, hate, loyalty from the reader, unforgettable passages.

Roxane Bremen

This is a re-read for me. I probably read this book 40 years ago. Yikes! I’m so excited to read the book again especially after listening to Ben’s wonderful lecture. I am hoping to read one of the autobiography’s either of Charlotte Brontë, or the Brontë sisters. I have listened to to a lot of audiobooks in my time but plan on reading this because sometimes when you listen to an audiobook, you’re really not giving it your full attention especially since I listen in the car. I also bought Gothic literature. I’ve always loved Anne Radcliffe.

Hannah

So excited this is my first read with the book club! I first read Jane Eyre two years ago, as well as Wuthering Heights and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, with Jane probably being my favourite! Loved hearing some background on the Brontës from Ben and thrilled that I found Gaskell's biography in a charity shop recently. I hope to read that alongside, and gain a better understanding of Charlotte and the family. This time I'm also hoping to better dig into the themes around gender equality, and understanding the historical context of these ideas. I'm off to do some research on the French Revolution (history dunce here!)

Elizabeth Madden

If anyone has time or inspiration to read a classic Gothic text to pave the way for Jane Eyre, you could do worse than read one of Ann Ratcliffe's novels first. Or, if you prefer light touch parodies, Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen.

Ronald Moffat

Hello to all from Middle Tennessee. It's been more years than I care to count since I've read much literature and this has been a good impetus to get back in the habit. Since I seem to have joined in the middle of a "cycle," I'm planning to read Paradise Lost and to re-read (after many years) The Brothers Karamazov. Will probably also start diving into The Invisible Man. Anyway, that's the plan.

mariah schneider

I haven't read anything by Charlotte Brontë so I'm looking forward to reading Jane Eyre. I spoke with a family friend who wrote a thesis about the Brontë sisters and is planning to take a trip to England to visit the area where they lived. She described Jane Eyre as a great feminist novel for its time. She also recommended the Tenant of Wildfell Hall. I got the impression that Wuthering Heights was her least favorite of the three, and I really enjoyed my recent re-read of it. I think that Jane Eyre will be a great October read to continue the trend of reading gothic novels.

Susan Graham

Jane and I go way back. I read her in college and felt like she was me. Then I wrote one of the best essays every in grad school on her. I had this old school formalist New Critic professor who didn’t want any of that new fangled theory in our papers. “Stick to the text!” I wrote about shifting verb tenses… how on specific occasions the narrator switches to present tense and it’s always indicative of something or other (it was the nineties… can’t remember). And I revisit her every few years. I always have her and Wuthering Heights on my 19th century novel list in my lit classes. Most of my students hate Rochester and that colors their perception of her. On a side note I read Tennant of Wildfeld Hall last year. Never had read Anne before and while it was clear to me why she’s not as often read as her sisters, it was well worth the read. I felt like she was telling her sisters, “I’ve got something scarier than necrophelia and madwomen in attics. It’s marriage laws that trap women in abusive marriages with alcoholic husbands and no legal recourse.” Utterly terrifying.

Susan Graham
>>118990082

Tennent f Wildfell Hall is good. Its definitely making a statement about women and their legal standing in marriage (or lack of). I think people have a harder time with wuthering heights now. The characters are just all so flawed and terrible. And Heathcliff, he’s psycho. But I love him. Dang bad boys. The book is just so brilliant as a work of art, though. Wildfell Hall isn’t nearly as gripping, IMHO.

Susan Graham
>>118902033

In always felt like Wide Saragossa Sea was one of those novels I was supposed to like but when I read it, I don’t really… I reread it last year to see if my feelings on it would still be the same and while there is some beautiful writing I didn’t resonate.

Susan Graham
>>118939653

What did you think of Tennant? I read it last year and while I liked it, I thought it got a little dull in places. But I thought it was also brilliant and brave for the time.

Jan Mariolle
>>118998203

Wow, Susan. That was a chilling last paragraph. You prod my interest in looking at Anna’s novel.

Scout

I read Wuthering Heights last year for the bookclub, and I thought it was fine. I have Jane Eyre somewhere on my bookshelf. I will consider reading it. But I found what you said about Charlotte's unrequited love to be especially prolific in my own life; those ups and downs that take you when you are thrown into the world. And I suppose that's the thing for me. An unrequited love not from any one person, but the unrequited love between me and the world. I hollow it out, and I never mess with it, the world around me, and the world beyond me. I do not gush over my feelings, as one would see Charlotte make that mistake, and I do not allow for any subsequent passion to overtake me. I've bit those hands just like I've bit society's. And I do not scrounge for the scraps which they've dropped. So, yes, I get Charlotte's idealistic movement toward some strung romance, but to judge her would not be my place. It's only sad. But, inevitable. She saw the beauty that was rightly just and pure, in a man who was perhaps undeserving of it. Still, she was at fault; not against her desires, but against something more, something higher. And I believe we're all guilty of that.

Josh LaMar, He-Him

I first read Jane Eyre in high school 25 years ago in Fresno, CA in the USA. I loved it. Looking back, this is a strong inspiration for my love of gender equality. Rereading it now, I see why I loved it so much and I’m enjoying it again. Perfect for autumn, when I always read horror novels (I plan to read The Castle of Otranto this Halloween at some point soon). I’ve read Wuthering Heights as well. And that was about 5 years later than I read Jane Eyre. I remember preferring Wuthering Heights in general, but I find this hard to imagine now, so I’ll do a reread of that at some point to compare as an adult now. I am slowly reading Paradise Lost and looking forward to the parallelisms.

Hilary King

I read Jane Eyre in junior high or high school. It’s haunted me ever since. When I read it before, I read it as a romance. Now, I’m very curious to experience Charlotte Brontê’s style and themes. I’m still reading Invisible Man and will think about the thematic parallels—something I never would have done without this great book club. Thanks!

Kristen Egener Chaddah

Helen Burns - oh my goodness! I have found (rediscovered) the single sentence I pulled from my first reading of this novel in my teens. I used to recite this and I made it my personal mantra: “life appears to me too short to to be spent in nursing animosity.” Helen’s Christian virtues of non-violence, meekness, long suffering tolerance of injustice, and forgiveness were my ideals. Now, upon rereading, 50 years later, I am much more inclined to be in sympathy with Jane’s point of view: “then, I should love Mrs. Reed, which I cannot do; I should bless her son, John, which is impossible.” Reading this in tandem with Paradise Lost adds richness to both.

Thomas C

This will be a first read for me. Was only last year that I broke into the Bronte's with Wuthering Heights--a real eye-opener! Having owned both of these books for 50 years or so and never reading them is hard to explain. I don't know exactly why and it could be an unconscious bias against female writers, but I have loved Jane Austen and George Eliot beyond compare, haha. So, who knows. I am definitely looking forward to the reading and it will be interesting to compare with my current readings of Invisible Man.

Munchin S

I read Jane Eyre for the first time 2 months ago. Looking forward to following Benjamin's lessons. It's a mixed bag for me because while I really like Jane and agreed with many of her stances, I truly disliked Mr. Rochester. I will say no more as I will not spoil for others but between him and Heathcliff, I'm taking Heathcliff as I know exactly who I'm dealing with when it comes to the latter.

Christina

Jane Eyre is one of my lifetime favorite books. I read it for the first time when I was ten years old…I have vivid memories of sitting against an outside classroom wall during recess. All the other kids were playing and I was captivated by Jane’s story…she was more entertaining than even the playground!! I credit that original reading of Jane Eyre as the start of a lifelong love of reading that I still enjoy today and that has shaped my education and life ever since. I still go back and reread every few years and always discover something new to love; every time I read it I’m at a different stage in my life and I get something new from the story. I’m looking forward to yet another reread to see what it will gift me with this time around!

Karen Beard

I read Jane Eyre in high school and remember just loving the story. I can't remember very much but the vaguest idea of the plot, so I am very much looking forward to this reread!

Sarah Steinke

One of the first classics I ever read was Vanity Fair. I liked the movie with Kirsten Dunst and while roving through the public library, saw it on a shelf, took it home and my love of classic literature was born. I looked for similar books, found Austen, Hardy, and Dickens. Then, Jane Eyre. The introduction and dedication were to William Makepeace Thackery, so I knew Charlotte and I would get a long well, of course we did! I've reread this a few times, but its been almost 9 since my last read and I am so ready to read it again! I have a full stack, many books that I need to read before I get to this one, but after listening to this video and reading comments, etc. I am putting all the others aside for now haha I am most interested in how I will relate to Jane now, now that I'm not a lonely young adult, trying to find where I belong in the world and the meaning of it all, who felt about myself and was treated in similar ways as a child/teen as Jane was. This book is the epitome of all the things I Iove most about fiction. And the way Charlotte Bronte thinks and describes things and writes....a flood of wonder and happiness. Where are the Bronte's of the world now?

Leen Verbraken

I’m almost halfway and Jane is allready in my heart. What a great character she is. But what a bad taste she has in men: I dislike Mr Rochester… What a weird man.

Becky

I've just joined HLBC. In a Google search I happened upon Ben's "50 Greatest Books", then watched some of his other videos, and now here I am. I will ease in with Jane Eyre, which I've read several times over the years, though it is not as appealing to me now for some reason. I read Jane Eyre and many other books to my mother in her last years, and speaking the beautiful language was not only delightful in itself, it also improved my ability to express myself with words, both writing and speaking, and even to think more clearly. I was astonished. Since then I read aloud at every opportunity. It adds several new dimensions. Some works are delicious right out of the covers, and others take work, but in all cases they sound different than when read silently. Reading aloud also slows me down. It's really a very important way to read.

Becky
>>118875575

Although I am not a first-time reader of this book, I think I can still consider its first sentence afresh. It seems to be the narrator's reflection upon a recent day in which something happened that was unusual enough to throw the schedule off.

Rachel Brown

I read Jane Eyre in high school - many years ago. Interestingly, I started an audio book of it earlier this summer but became sidelined with other books. I’m excited to read the book and have this as the fall read. I’m so intrigued by the Brontë sisters.

Aaron Kyereh-Mireku

I'd really like to re-read Jane Eyre. I've only read it once, and I confess that I have derived more enjoyment from reading Charlotte's sisters Emily and Anne. Still, maybe a re-read will allow a re-evaluation of this. I know it's a cliched favourite (I have the unpopular opinion that Wuthering Heights is better) but no literary opinion is set in stone...

Tatiana

It is 1 am in the mountains of Kyushu, Japan. Drizzling. Wide awake. What a thrill to discover a fab lecture from Ben. Downloaded a copy of Jane Eyre. Life is beautiful. Because literature.

Tatiana

Aha, they were Irish! So so many great writers are.

PatZi

My favorite book....

Jamie Newman

I am super excited about this one. I have not read any Charlotte Bronte! I think I've said this before, but I'll say it again-I have no expectations and I'm excited about that! I was intrigued by Ben's introduction and it inspired me to embark on my yearly reread of "Little Women". I am inspired the Bronte sisters created under such difficult conditions.

R.R. Scott

I am excited for this read. I haven't read any of the Bronte Sisters' books, and these one has me the most intrigued. And given that the weather here in Ontario has flipped from high summer to deep autumn in a matter of two days, the grey and wet weather seems to have created for me a proper atmosphere in which to enjoy this book. In reading this, I hope to be enticed into further works by the Brontes, including their poetry. I also hope to find another absorbing read that will leave me lost for hours, both when the book is open before me and not, in the minds and situations of the characters. And as always, I look forward to the lectures along the way that will add further insight into the novel.

Robin Floor

This is a re-read for me. I related very early in my life to this book and to "orpan status", being one when I was 10 years old, taken in by an aunt, lied to about my parents and had my inherentince stolen from me. Like Jane Eyre, I have survivability.

Serena J Cavanaugh

I've been a Wuthering Heights fanatic all my life. I have reread it countless times. Jane Eyre, although I appreciated it, played second fiddle. This year, I decided to give it another read, it's probably my third read. I'm excited to revisit Jane and Hawthorne with the wisdom and experiences of a 48 year old.

Donna F.

I think I’ve read JE two or three times before—but probably not in the past forty years. Benjamin, you hit so many new thoughts for me in your introductory lecture—when I read this book before I hadn’t thought about what the Brontë family’s lives were like. I downloaded the Penguin kindle book, and am reading the Introduction now. I will be getting several biographies of Charlotte and the Brontë family from the library, as well as “The Secret History of Jane Eyre”. I might try to watch several of the movies, because I’m always interested in how different actors emphasize different aspects of the story in different decades.

Donna F.

I’m really enjoying JE—just finished chapter 15, which is very exciting! I’m so glad I downloaded the Penguin edition—it’s nice to read the footnotes. Since I’m in the back catalog, and going slower than the pace of our Book Club, I’m getting a lot out of listening to Benjamin’s lectures before and after reading the assignment.