Jane Eyre, as the Modern Readers See Her

"Jane Eyre", published on October 16, 1847, revolutionized the art of fiction. Only serious students of literature can understand it. Charlotte Brontë touched on the themes of religion and passion, but there was something about the novel that piqued the curiosity of readers. How can Brontë's masterpiece be relevant in the 21st century?

Let's look at the other themes:

Jane Eyre's search for a home. Charlotte Brontë would make readers remember the places where her heroine lived. In fact, this could be one of the motifs of the novel. It could allude to the Brontë sisters, who lived together most of their lives. Nothing of the story would suggest a series of tragic events to come. (Branwell, Emily, and Anne passed away one year after the publication of the novel.) It would mean something else; the modern definition of home must include comfort. Many owners would be quite obsessed about making its interior reflect their character. And it should be ideal for relaxation. The eldest of the Brontë siblings had none of it, as her concept of home was the place to spend with her loved ones. The author knew her place (in British society), which was why she had simple aspirations. And her heart ached whenever she remembered her deceased siblings.

Jane has a unique position in 19th-century (British) society. If Jane Austen clearly defined the limited options of womenfolk in Britain, Charlotte Brontë would do otherwise. Some might call her a seer, as Jane's assertiveness would be the dominant image in the modern world. There would still be instances where women must be in the sideline, if not behind the menfolk, but Brontë believed her place was rather unique. She may imagined it, even exaggerated it, but there was no doubt about Jane's position. Some would call her the prototype of feminism, which Charlotte would agree. Austen's fans would point out that her heroines did the same thing, but it would be hard to imagine Jane and Lizzie close to one another. Furthermore, Austen might have been less serious about the situation. She could be a lucky lady.

Jane (finally) found someone. The English women knew that marriage was their only means of a good life. And the social class would reveal their little chance at happiness. Jane Eyre was aware of it, but it didn't discourage her to live her life. She also held on her religious beliefs. Jane believed in the system, but readers would wonder if she was aware that she was treading on an unfamiliar path. The answer would be a yes, and it wasn't difficult to figure it out from the beginning. She found someone, but it won't be without any attempts of defining gender relations.