I have been reading some classic novels as of late and my most recent is Jane Eyre. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte is up there as one of my favorite reads. It is a coming-of-age tale with many surprises and unexpected events. It also has two of the most dramatic men I have ever heard of, read of, or met. Despite the challenges, Jane Eyre grows in wisdom and helped me learn a bit too.
One of the main themes I saw in Jane Eyre is sacrifice. This is not only seen in Jane, but also many of the other characters. The story begins with Jane living with her aunt and cousins, who despise her. Her aunt is an example of sacrifice in the negative. She took care of her late brother’s daughter, but it is begrudgingly. Similarly, Mr. Rochester, one of Jane’s love interests, is making his own sacrifices due to an unusual issue, which then causes Jane to consider the type of sacrifice she needs to make in order to do what is morally right. Then, we have Mr. Rivers who is making his own sacrifices for God by not marrying for love, only utility. Jane eventually has to make her own decision about the type of sacrifice she needs in marrying Mr. Rivers or rejecting his proposal.
Throughout each of these situations, Jane comes out with a revised and tested perspective. She learns mercy for her aunt who dies without reciprocal mercy. She learns that sacrificing for what is right with patience and trust in God can work out for the best. She also learned that sacrifice for false piety does not bring joy, but a hard life full of striving. I could write a lot more about each relationship, as they were all complex. However, I don’t have enough room!
Jane Eyre gets 4.2/5. I really enjoyed the depth of character. Jane was an ordinary girl in a lot of ways, yet stayed true to herself and followed God the best she could. While the ending won’t be the favorite of every reader, Jane would’ve been fine with that, because I’m sure she was really happy about it.
