I am excited that the Read Along has begun and I am reading Jane Eyre! This week’s questions are brought to us by my read – along cohost Maria of A Night's Dream of Books.
Our questions, which I will answer together; are as follows:
What do you know about this novel
and its author?
Have you ever read it before, or
is this your first reading?
Have you seen any of the TV
or movie versions?
Jane Eyre is one of the books that has been on my radar for a very long time. Indeed this novel has been on my “lifetime reading plan” for years. I have not previously read any of the works written by the Bronte family but once again, I have wanted to do so for a long time.
My expectations for the work are grounded on what I have heard and read from others. This book seems like a really important and esteemed novel that is a must read for anyone interested in great literature. In addition, based upon the movie version that I have seen, as well as the opinions of others, my general expectation is that this is also darkly atmospheric tale.
I have only seen the 1942 film version staring Joan Fontain and Orson Wells. It has been a few years since I have last viewed it, but I remember it being a really good film. I recall that Orson Wells’s performance being extraordinary as he was perfectly cast. I hope to re – watch it during the read along. If I do so I will try to put up an extra post on it.
We will be reading Chapters 1 – 5 for next week. Our questions, courtesy of Maria are below. Feel free to answer as many or few as you want to. I can see how one may want to wander all six or as little as one. I am the kind of blogger who might just take a single one and write 2000 words it!
The novel opens on a very dreary, rainy November afternoon. How do you think this contributes to the general mood of the first chapter?
What literary function do curtains and draperies have in the opening chapters?
Mrs. Reed's cruelty would have been noticed and reported, had it taken place in our contemporary society. What factors do you think might have contributed to its tacit acceptance at the time?
Bessie's attitude toward Jane is inconsistent; at times, she's kind toward the child, while at others, she scolds her unfairly. Why do you think she acts this way?
Jane speaks more like an adult than a child, especially in the scene with Mrs. Reed, after Brocklehurst leaves. Do you think this is because she's a very
intelligent, precocious child, or is this simply an unrealistic aspect of the novel?
How did Bronte show hypocritical vs. true Christian behavior in the characters of Mr. Brocklehurst and Miss Temple?
Please do not forget to use the below widget to link your post so we all can read it.
Post & Reading Schedule
Week 1: Sept. 22nd
Reading: Chapters 1 – 5
Thoughts on Reading Jane Eyre
Discussion Questions for Next Week:
A Night's Dream of Books
Week 2: Sept. 29th
Reading: Chapters 6 -10
Discussion Questions: Chapters 1 – 5
Discussion Questions for Next Week:
Babbling Books
Week 3: Oct. 6th
Reading: Chapters 11 – 14
Discussion Questions: Chapters 6 – 10
Discussion Questions for Next Week:
A Night's Dream of Books
Week 4: Oct. 13th
Reading: Chapters 15 – 19
Discussion Questions: Chapters 11 – 14
Discussion Questions for Next Week:
Babbling Books
Week 5: Oct. 20th
Reading: Chapters 20 – 23
Discussion Questions: Chapters 15 – 19
Discussion Questions for Next Week:
A Night's Dream of Books
Week 6: Oct. 27th
Reading: Chapters 24 – 28
Discussion Questions: Chapters 20 – 23
Discussion Questions for Next Week:
Babbling Books
Week 7: Nov. 3rd
Reading: Chapters 29 – 33
Discussion Questions: Chapters 24 – 28
Discussion Question for Next Week:
A Night's Dream of Books
Week 8: Nov. 10th
Reading: Chapters 34 – 38
Discussion Questions: Chapters 29 – 33
Discussion Questions for Next Week:
Babbling Books
Week 9: Nov. 17th
Discussion Questions, Chapters 34 – 38
Week 9: Nov. 21st
Book Reviews Posted
