Friday, September 19, 2008

Jane Eyre...A balm for the heart of a hopeless romantic!!!

I have been reading Jane Eyre, a classic written by Charlotte Bronte. I have found myself utterly captivated by the language that Bronte uses. The character Jane, is an orphan who would appear to be "meaningless". She is however feisty and a character of integrity and strength. Perhaps this is why I like this novel so much.

I have read the book in high school and did not enjoy it which is due to the fact that I had no recollection of any scenes. This time around however, I have devoured it and found myself sacrificing sleep as my eyes have been glued to the pages. Here are some of my favorite phrases:

Rochester to Jane: "Yet, for a long time, I treated you distantly, and sought your company rarely. I was an intellectual epicure, and wished to prolong the gratification of making this novel and piquant acquaintance: besides, I was for a while troubled with a haunting fear that if I handled the flower freely its bloom would fade-the sweet charm of freshness would leave it. I did not then know that it was no transitory blossom, but rather the radiant resemblance of one, cut in an indestructible gem." (339)

Jane to Rochester: "Do you think I can stay to become nothing to you? Do you think I am an automan?-a machine without feelings? and can bear to have my morsel of bread snatched from my lips, and my drop of living water dashed from my cup? Do you think because I am poor, obscure, plain and little that I am soulless and heartless?" (272, Bronte)

No comments: