Delphi Complete Works of the Brontes Charlotte, Emily, Anne Brontë (Illustrated) (2 page)
Read Delphi Complete Works of the Brontes Charlotte, Emily, Anne Brontë (Illustrated) Online
Authors: CHARLOTTE BRONTE,EMILY BRONTE,ANNE BRONTE,PATRICK BRONTE,ELIZABETH GASKELL
An Autobiography
One of the most influential novels of the nineteenth century,
Jane Eyre
was published in 1847, under the pen name “Currer Bell,” the “autobiography’s” supposed editor. The novel bears three distinct genres. It has the form of a Bildungsroman, a story about a child’s maturation, focusing on the emotions and experiences that accompany growth to adulthood.
Jane Eyre
also contains much social criticism, with a strong sense of morality at its core, and finally has the brooding and moody Byronic character typical of Gothic fiction.
The novel is often considered ahead of its time due to its portrayal of the development of a thinking and passionate young woman who is both individualistic, desiring for a full life, while also highly moral. Jane evolves from her beginnings as a poor and plain woman without captivating charm to her mature stage as a compassionate and confident whole woman. As she matures, she comments much on the complexities of the human condition. Jane also has a deeply pious personal trust in God, but is also highly self-reliant. Although Jane suffers much, she is never portrayed as a damsel in distress who needs rescuing, serving as a prototype for feminist fiction.
Charlotte
in her twenties
The very rare first edition of three volumes, highly prized by collectors
The title page with
Charlotte
’s male pen name
TO
W. M. THACKERAY, Esq.,
This Work
is respectfully inscribed
by
THE AUTHOR
CONTENTS
The 1943 film adaptation
The 1970 film adaptation