Recap

Hello ladies!
I’m really loving Jane Eyre! I’m up to chapter 13 or so now, but I thought for this post that I would just comment on what has been said so far.

Amanda! I’m so excited that you like the book! The last I heard from Erin, she couldn’t get past page three. Anyway, I’m totally with you. My heart breaks for Jane, and her treatment during her childhood. As I read, I think about students I’ve taught or counseled over the years that have been singled out, teased, and abused (at school and at home). I sometimes wished that I could take these students home with me, and give them a chance at a happy childhood that they deserve. Of course, we can’t do that, but sometimes having a casual conversation, or simply saying hi, like you said, shows students that we genuinely care. And that goes a long way! Just think how Jane gravitated toward Miss Temple, and even Bessie, after they showed her kindness.

On a side note, I heard a statistic a while back that a huge percentage of students will go through an entire school day without hearing their name beyond roll call, or even being addressed directly in some way. I don’t remember the percentage (which makes this fact somewhat less interesting) but it has always stayed with me. As a teacher/counselor, I would try to engage students as often as possible, even if I were just saying hi in the hall. And knowing you, I’m sure you do that too!

Hi Nancy! I’m so excited that you joined our little book club! It’s fun being able to keep in touch this way. And I totally agree. Jane is absolutely resilient. One would have to be to overcome such a Cinderella-esque childhood; raised and neglected by a “family” that considers her existence a burden. Once arriving at Lowood, Mr. Brocklehurst warns everyone that Jane is an interloper and liar, and advised the students to shun her, and exclude her from activities and conversation. Teachers were advised to “punish her body to save her soul.” (Chapter 7, page 70 in my book) Despite this label, Jane was able to overcome. Not only did she excel in her studies, but she became a teacher! Though Bronte didn’t delve deeply into the years Jane spent as a teacher at Lowood, I imagine she would have been nurturing and compassionate, and emulated the traits of Miss Temple and others who showed her the love which was absent during much of her childhood.

Hi Britt! I was also struck by the fact that Mrs. Reed didn’t have a stronger reaction to what Jane had said. (Chapter 4, page 36 in my book). I don’t think Jane was looking for an all-out brawl, by any means, but any reaction more than what Mrs. Reed had given her would have maybe prevented Jane from feeling remorse for her words. Jane said something along the lines that the feeling of vengeance was like an “aromatic wine, on swallowing, warm and racy.” However the aftertaste of the words said gave her the sensation that she had been poisoned. Jane should not have felt one ounce of regret, because everything said was true, and needed to be said. Frankly, Mrs. Reed deserved a lot more than a long-overdue, verbal beating! (Then again, that could be the Sicilian in me talking.)

Kelli

PS—It’s so fun reading a book, knowing that my amazing friends are reading along with me. I love it!