NOVEL AMONG NOVELS. AUTHOR AMONG AUTHORS

Pt. 1

Like a majority of Americans, I am descended from inhabitants of England, Scotland and Ireland. And like a sizable number of Americans of the so-called “Baby Boomer” generation, I was introduced to several of the European classics in high school; novels such as, “Les Miserables” by Victor Hugo, “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen, and, (of course) “Jane Eyre” by the pride of Haworth, Charlotte Bronte.

Speaking of “Jane Eyre,” I recall being captivated by that wonderful volume before I knew anything but basics about the author, and years transpired before I realized that the book had been captured in movie form.

As a matter of fact, in my research for my writing, I discovered that “Jane Eyre” has been portrayed by a minimum of (8) silent films beginning in 1910, (24) feature films beginning in 1934, (16) television adaptations beginning in 1949, (13) radio interpretations beginning in 1938, and (18) theatrical renditions beginning in 1849, (just two years after the book was published). I can tell you these statistics were nothing less than compelling to me.

At this writing, I have easily seen a minimum of six or eight versions of the movie, and long before my research, it was my considered opinion that “Jane Eyre” had been characterized more times in more forms, and in more languages than any novel in history. I believe the otherwise fluent Charlotte would be rendered virtually speechless were she afforded a minute in the 21^st century, and informed of the universal popularity of her volume. I think the only comparable revelation might apply to John Newton, the writer of “Amazing Grace.”

Of course, during the era when Charlotte Bronte’s novel was written, she and her literary sisters used male pen names. (Charlotte was “Currer Bell.” Anne was “Acton Bell.” Emily was “Ellis Bell”). I love the scene in the movie, “To Walk Invisible” in which Charlotte walks into her publisher’s office, and reveals herself as the writer of “Jane Eyre.” All three sisters were “found out” during their lifetimes, and were, ultimately, loved and celebrated worldwide.

Pt. 2

Will Rogers once said,

“I never met a man I didn’t like.”

Well, I can’t subscribe to ole Will’s persuasion about men (or women), but I can truthfully say,

“I never watched a ‘Jane Eyre’ production of any kind that I didn’t like.”

At least I can make that declaration with two major disclaimers.

1.     I, admittedly, like some versions more than others.

2.   Some renditions vary from the original text, (and the closer to Charlotte Bronte’s script, the better).

And speaking of Miss Bronte’s novels, I readily admit I have attempted to read, “The Professor” and “Villette,” but never managed to get very far. (I am currently beginning the latter of the two volumes again). But be that as it may, I absolutely love “Jane Eyre,” and the myriad of renditions which spring from it.

And like so many before me, the proposal scene is my favorite; (whether book, movie, television, radio or stage play). And my favorite lines from the proposal scene, (and which are virtually always quoted intact in the film and theatrical versions) are:

“Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong! I have as much soul as you, and full as much heart! And if God had gifted me with some beauty and much wealth, I should have made it as hard for you to leave me, as it is now for me to leave you!”

The novel “Jane Eyre” is a study in contrasts.

Mr. Rochester has toured the world. Jane Eyre has never traveled more than a hundred miles from “Gateshead,” her adoptive home. Edward is known and respected. Jane is an outcast. The master is wealthy, and owns property. The governess is poor and owns the clothes on her back.

Mr. Rochester is brash and self-assured. Jane Eyre is humble and self-demeaning. Edward is amoral. Jane is a woman of faith. The master has known the love of many women. The governess has never known the love of a single man. Mr. Rochester was raised in a biological family. Jane Eyre was raised as an orphan, and was dependent on the good will of a despised in-law.

Pt. 3

Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Eyre” is also a study in what I can only characterize as “reverse contrasts.”

Or if I were to express it in biblical terms,

“How the mighty have fallen” and “How the lowly have been lifted up.”

Mr. Rochester is disabled and disfigured, and secluded from society. Jane Eyre has journeyed far, is surrounded by loved ones, and is living out an impactful life. Edward is forgotten and forlorn. Jane is affirmed and affectionate. The former master has lost possessions and power. The former governess is wealthy, and has become a lady in her own right.

Mr. Rochester has been brought low, and despair overwhelms him. Jane Eyre has been lifted from the depths, and a smile brightens her countenance. Edward has lost his wife, and the woman he loved. Jane has received two marriage proposals in less than a year.

And I think it is only in the writing of this perspective that I have found a way to adequately characterize the contrasts and reverse contrasts inherent in the unfolding lives of Edward Rochester and Jane Eyre.

As the novel concludes, we cannot help but notice how Jane toys with Edward, as he asks her about her recent suitor’s attributes and proposal of marriage, and the playful responses she offers him indicative of her newfound cousin’s desirability as a husband. And I cannot help but recall the symmetry between this scene, and that of the earlier episode beneath the chestnut tree when the master toyed with the governess, and spoke of the inevitability of her departure, and her employment in Ireland; just prior to Rochester proposing marriage.

And now we conclude the convoluted story of Jane Eyre and Edward Rochester, and we finally reach a state of homeostasis in which two very different, and sometimes disagreeable people become one in heart, mind and spirit.

"He and I went up to London. He had the advice of an eminent oculist; and he eventually recovered the sight in one eye. He cannot now see very distinctly; he cannot read or write much; but he can find his way without being led by the hand: the sky is no longer a blank to him, the earth no longer a void. When his first-born was put into his arms, he could see that he had inherited his own eyes, as they once were, large, brilliant, and black. On that occasion, he again, with a full heart, acknowledged that God had tempered judgment with mercy."

by William McDonald, PhD