I would like to say first that I wanted to read this book because I wanted to, not because that it was coincendentally on my reading list for my English Class, nor because of the recent movie starring Mia Wasikowska (otherwise known as the chick who starred as Alice in the Tim Burton version), but because my mom has this book.
So, I've been carrying it around April, sometimes reading it, sometimes not. It wasn't until Standarized Testing that I became intrigued by the book. Starts off slow and sleepy, then picks up. I can tell why it's called a "Gothic Novel".
The titular character, Jane Eyre, is an orphan in an unfortunate stiuation, as the heroine in distress. While being a tiny girl, she'll put up a fight, and won't hesistate to show off herrebellious side. This side, seen by her (evil) aunt Mrs. Reed, promptly sends the girl to school: Lowood. There, she makes friends, like Helen (who later sadly passes away due to sickness) and learns the skills that make her a governess.
Feeling sleepy? Here's a picture:
The titular Jane
Jane then grows into an eighteen-year old who "advertises herself" as a potential governess. back in 19th century England, these women (or more rare, men) were in charge of handling the children of the house, which most likely belonged to folks rich enough to afford such a thing, adn teaching them the fundamentals of school, and in this case, history, French (among other languages), drawing, piano, and the such.
Most of this was directed toward female students, as all young woman of England were expected to have these skills inorder to impress and eventually have a husband. That or they were doomed to become a spinster. Nowadays, you need Craigslist and a degree to ebcome a "live-in tutor".
Anywhoo, back to the story. A certain Mrs. FairFax accepts Jane's offer and takes her to Thornfield Hall, a moddy, dark place quite different from her future pupil: Adele, a spirited, happy French girl.
(left to right) Mrs. Fairfax, Adele, and Pilot
One would think that this would make an interesting match for the stoic Jane, but she handles Adele wonderfully and makes friends with Mrs. Fairfax, immediately brightening (somewhat) up the gloomy hall. However, before Jane can settle in to monochromatic autonomy, the master of the hall appears on a misty morning on the moors.
Mr. Rochester has arrived, atop his horse and with pilot. Alerted by Jane's presence, who had before was walking, falls off his horse and injures himself. Jane offers her help but he rejectsw it, instead accusing her of being a "witch, throwing spells at him". After this somewhat acrimonious introduction, they meet again.
And Jane finds herself falling for him.
(left to right) Diane, St. John, Mary, Rosamond, and of course, Mr. Rochester
So starts the first part of the book, setting off a chain of events with a mystery mingled in, the climax appraochign with both happiness and horror at the true history of Thornfield Hall, with Jane trying to find out why, and in the process, discovers herself. I won't tell the ending (that would ruin it, wouldn't it?) but I wanted to tell you something funny.
Shortly after reading this book, my English teacher wanted us to do another "Novel Response" adn seeing as how Jane Eyre was on the aforementioned reading list, I obliged. The assignment consists of the following:
Basically we make a 6' X 6' cube, with six squares, each with a question. I drew pictures on the reverse side which wasn't needed but I wanted to.
So today I turn it in, and hope that by making this synopsis, you read the book too. Not only recommended by me, but by one mom, four teachers (one male and three females), several on-lookers, and various folks online. Seriously. Read this book. And maybe the 2006 and 2011 movie.
Ruth Wilson as Jane in the 2006 PBS miniseries
In case you was wondering (which you probably weren't) I use nibs and Speedball ink for the inking process, although I sometimes use Sharpies and Microns for the panels and words.
So yeah. Afterwards I might use colored pencils and watercolors, although I would like to experiment with just using ink.
