3 Reasons to Read "Jane Eyre" This Spring

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Charlotte Bronte

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Jane Eyre is one of the most recognizable book titles of all time. Its author, Charlotte Bronte, published only a handful of writings in her prematurely shortened lifetime but remains celebrated as one of the great authors in the history of literature.

Starting next week, The Big Read will be reading and discussing this powerful story over the course of seven weeks.

What gives Jane Eyre such enduring appeal? Why is it worth reading in 2024? Below, I’ll give three reasons why you should join The Big Read this spring for our group read of this all-time great novel.

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Here’s what you get with a $5/month or $50/year subscription:

• Weekly recaps with background, contextual material, and highlights from that week’s chapters.

• Access to our robust weekly discussions, where you’ll get invaluable insights from a diverse community of readers.

• The motivation and accountability to read an all-time classic. (Even a great story sometimes requires a bit of endurance.)

I’ll send an introductory post and reading schedule next Sunday (March 10) and the reading will commence right after that.

Withour further ado, three reasons to read Jane Eyre with us this spring:

1. Jane Eyre is the greatest heroine in all of literature.

The first time I read this book, I immediately recognized what made it so special. It’s all about Jane Eyre herself — our fierce, independent, plucky main character. Though orphaned and subject to various torments, Jane refused to give in to societal expectations and charted her own course through life. Her pursuit of individuality, equality, and self-fulfillment serves as a powerful and empowering message for readers. No character makes you want to embrace life and stand up for what matters like Jane Eyre does.

Some critics argue, in fact, that the very idea of individual fulfillment sprung from Bronte’s greatest work.

2. Jane Eyre is layered in lasting symbolism and imagery.

Charlotte Bronte's vivid descriptions and use of symbolism create a rich and immersive reading experience. From the haunting atmosphere of Thornfield Hall to the symbolism of that “madwoman in the attic,” Jane Eyre offers layers of meaning that invite deeper exploration and analysis.

This is not a black and white story with clear morality — you’ll argue with the characters, and Bronte, at multiple points in the narrative. You’ll be forced to think for yourself and come to your own ideas rather than being told the “correct” viewpoint. And, because of those complex layers, this is a book that will stay with you and will keep you thinking about it for a long time to come.

3. Jane Eyre has had an incredibly powerful and lasting cultural impact.

Jane Eyre has left an indelible mark on culture and society, influencing literature, feminism, and popular culture for over 175 years since its publication. A few examples:

• Jean Rhys’s widely acclaimed 1966 novel, Wide Sargasso Sea, examines the backstory of an important Jane Eyre character and serves as a prequel of sorts. Wide Sargasso Sea itself has since found its way into numerous Most Influential Novels lists.

• Whether in books, television, or other media, you’ve likely seen references to “the madwoman in the attic” or something similar. That’s a direct reference to one of the primary plot points of Jane Eyre and continues to pop up in various works. And it’s not the only piece of the book that you’ll see again and again after you read it. As with many classics, reading Jane Eyre will open your eyes to its powerful influence on the world around you.

• Jane Eyre spawned an entire industry of studying Victorian and literary feminism. There are dozens of books and hundreds of articles about Jane’s radical independence and feminism. Bronte helped pave the way for all the strong female authors and characters to come after her — in spite of the fact that she had to publish under the non-gendered name Currer Bell.

I’m looking forward to getting started and reading this all-time great novel with everyone!