Jane Eyre: Introduction and Reading Schedule

Hello readers,

I’m excited to start Jane Eyre with you this week! As I mentioned last week, it’s one of the most recognizable titles (and character names) in all of literature. Today, I’d like to kick us off by giving you some background info on Charlotte Bronte and Jane Eyre, some primary themes to look for, and our reading schedule.

Before jumping in, I wanted to share a few additional resources I’ll be utilizing and enjoying in the coming weeks:

• Wide Sargasso Sea by Jen Rhys — The 1966 novel that highlights the backstory of our “madwoman in the attic”

• Charlotte Bronte: A Fiery Heart by Claire Harman — A critically acclaimed biography of the author

• Praying With Jane Eyre by Vanessa Zoltan — A guide to reading classic books as “sacred” texts

Okay, let’s get to it.

The Bronte Sisters and Jane Eyre

Though there are some sibling groups of author, none approach the talent and longevitiy of the Bronte sisters. Born in 1816, Charlotte was the oldest surviving child, followed by Emily in 1818 and Anne in 1820. (There was also a brother, Branwell, born in 1817. He also did some writing, but not to the level of his sisters.)

The children all had active creative streaks and were drawn to the arts from an early age. They would recite stories, try their hand at poems, and generally live in their imaginative little heads.

As twentysomethings, the three sisters self-published a collection of poems under the names Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell. Anything written by a woman in that era wouldn’t be taken seriously.

Charlotte tried her hand at longer stories and although her first attempt didn’t land a publisher, her second try did. Jane Eyre was published in 1847 and broke new ground by being written from an intent and emotional first-person female perspective. The novel had immediate commercial success but received only mediocre reviews. It was a bit too scandulous for the moment, primarily because the protagonist, Jane, wasn’t demur or ladylike.