Well -- it's been a long while since I've re-read it, but I like Jane as a character. She sticks to her guns. I suppose I unconsciously modeled Hermione of "What E'er Therein Is Promised" after her, in that she would much rather leave the man she's come to love than live with him under circumstances that would be bad for the soul (and I mean that not in a religious sense, but bad for the essence of the character, that part that makes her what she is). It's only after circumstances change that Jane is willing to go back ... hmm, and then she's in a position of greater power, too, because Rochester must rely so much on her
( ... )
No, I can't leave HP out of things, either, even when I'm trying to take a break. ;-D I just haven't been able to read much fanfic lately. I don't know why. It's not the quality of the fanfic. I love some of the stories that I still haven't finished. Maybe it's because they're on the computer. I tend to flit from this to that when I'm on the computer. I should print the stories out so that I can settle down and read them all the way through without interruption.
Oh, thanks for responding! You're ever so much better than my cats. ;-D
I definitely thought of WETIP when rereading JE. That conflict of loving someone else and loving oneself (in a positive, not selfish, way) is just breathtaking in both stories. Also, at the end of your story, you make such a point of their mutual dependence on each other. I think that's what happens at the end of JE, too.
I also thought about the way your story led to a debate between those who thought Snape should get what he wanted and those who thought he had been in the wrong. It's funny how so many female readers - myself included, at times - gravitate toward the male point of view when, in fact, it's her story and point of view that really matters
( ... )
Cathy and Heathcliff, whom I have previously described as the two biggest a**holes in fiction,
Oh, that is so perfect!
A few years ago, someone in the fandom, can't remember who now, suggested I read Wuthering Heights because it was, according to them, a much better novel than Jane Eyre. I did feel as if my having not read WH was a serious flaw in my education, so I read it. Yuck! Okay, perhaps the novel is more complex with all of those relationships and the shifts in narration. But like you, I felt absolutely no sympathy or concern for Heathcliff and Cathy.
I wonder if this either/or approach to JE and WH is common?
I'll have to find that Steinem essay. Sounds great! And I love the point about the completeness of the character. It's an interesting idea, particularly since Rochester has to lose his sight and one of his hands to be complete. ;-D
He does some near-unforgivable things, but redeems himself in the end, which reminds me of another fanon!Alpha Male I love to fic... ;-)Hmm, I wonder who that could be? ;-D
( ... )
*hides English degree from App so they can't steal it*
I never read Jane Eyre; never had time. My English professors seemed to think they were doing us a disservice by assigning the better-known classics. However, when I took "Studies in the English Novel," our professor did assign Wuthering Heights.
I remember reading it...and being disgusted.
"This is the great love we should all aspire to?!" I (strongly) opined when it came time to discuss the book. "It reads like a junior high relationship! These two aren't even likable, much less anything else!"
My professor burst out laughing; as it turned out, he hoped someone would feel that way, as most of the young women who came through his class sighed and wanted someone to "love (them) like that." *gags*
Reading your discussion has helped me decide what I'm going to pick up at the library on Monday morning, though. Jane sounds much more like my cup of tea.
For me, one of the benefits of teaching at a private Quaker school is that we get to discuss and read things that might not be as acceptable at other schools. (I'm not sure that Philadelphia public schools would choose Red Azalea, either.) But, there are some taboos at my school, too. We can talk about war, of course, but not to glorify it. Students aren't allowed to wear anything that might represent the military or war (camouflage, army, navy, marines, air force t-shirts, etc.). And I think conservative students (and we do have a few) feel very uncomfortable voicing their opinions. That's the hardest part for me. I'm not a conservative, but I think conservatives do have some really good ideas to add to the discussion. I suppose every school (or group of any kind) has its limits.
Why? Because she chose to marry him. On her terms, yet freely and unconditionally giving of herself. Jane Eyre is most definitely a feminist novel, though written within the social constraints of its time. Jane is such an interesting character to me because she remains honest with herself throughout the course of the novel. She is realistic enough to understand what motivates people, even when that motivation leads to acts of cruelty, but never once does she veer from the path set by her own moral compass. She is forgiving, but never condoning. She is patient and kind, but doesn't take kindly to being a doormat. She has the strength of character to bloom where she's planted, but can also give a pretty good (though very lady-like) telling-off, when necessary. She's a nurturer, but not at the cost of her own soul. She loves unconditionally, unimpressed by the standards and trappings of society
( ... )
Such good points about the character of Jane Eyre!
probably a fair bit annoying in a holier-than-though sort of way
I loved this! Yes, probably so.
I'm actually a history teacher, so I'm sure I'll butcher the books in my discussion (only about 45 minutes for discussing the summer reading ... not enough time!).
I imagine it would be tough to switch careers when you have responsibilities to your family ... but do you have to give up on teaching as a career? From your posts, you sound like you'd be a fantastic teacher.
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I definitely thought of WETIP when rereading JE. That conflict of loving someone else and loving oneself (in a positive, not selfish, way) is just breathtaking in both stories. Also, at the end of your story, you make such a point of their mutual dependence on each other. I think that's what happens at the end of JE, too.
I also thought about the way your story led to a debate between those who thought Snape should get what he wanted and those who thought he had been in the wrong. It's funny how so many female readers - myself included, at times - gravitate toward the male point of view when, in fact, it's her story and point of view that really matters ( ... )
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Oh, that is so perfect!
A few years ago, someone in the fandom, can't remember who now, suggested I read Wuthering Heights because it was, according to them, a much better novel than Jane Eyre. I did feel as if my having not read WH was a serious flaw in my education, so I read it. Yuck! Okay, perhaps the novel is more complex with all of those relationships and the shifts in narration. But like you, I felt absolutely no sympathy or concern for Heathcliff and Cathy.
I wonder if this either/or approach to JE and WH is common?
I'll have to find that Steinem essay. Sounds great! And I love the point about the completeness of the character. It's an interesting idea, particularly since Rochester has to lose his sight and one of his hands to be complete. ;-D
He does some near-unforgivable things, but redeems himself in the end, which reminds me of another fanon!Alpha Male I love to fic... ;-)Hmm, I wonder who that could be? ;-D ( ... )
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I never read Jane Eyre; never had time. My English professors seemed to think they were doing us a disservice by assigning the better-known classics. However, when I took "Studies in the English Novel," our professor did assign Wuthering Heights.
I remember reading it...and being disgusted.
"This is the great love we should all aspire to?!" I (strongly) opined when it came time to discuss the book. "It reads like a junior high relationship! These two aren't even likable, much less anything else!"
My professor burst out laughing; as it turned out, he hoped someone would feel that way, as most of the young women who came through his class sighed and wanted someone to "love (them) like that." *gags*
Reading your discussion has helped me decide what I'm going to pick up at the library on Monday morning, though. Jane sounds much more like my cup of tea.
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"Reader, I married him."
Why? Because she chose to marry him. On her terms, yet freely and unconditionally giving of herself. Jane Eyre is most definitely a feminist novel, though written within the social constraints of its time. Jane is such an interesting character to me because she remains honest with herself throughout the course of the novel. She is realistic enough to understand what motivates people, even when that motivation leads to acts of cruelty, but never once does she veer from the path set by her own moral compass. She is forgiving, but never condoning. She is patient and kind, but doesn't take kindly to being a doormat. She has the strength of character to bloom where she's planted, but can also give a pretty good (though very lady-like) telling-off, when necessary. She's a nurturer, but not at the cost of her own soul. She loves unconditionally, unimpressed by the standards and trappings of society ( ... )
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probably a fair bit annoying in a holier-than-though sort of way
I loved this! Yes, probably so.
I'm actually a history teacher, so I'm sure I'll butcher the books in my discussion (only about 45 minutes for discussing the summer reading ... not enough time!).
I imagine it would be tough to switch careers when you have responsibilities to your family ... but do you have to give up on teaching as a career? From your posts, you sound like you'd be a fantastic teacher.
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