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A reading report of Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre is a famous novel written by an English woman author Charlotte Bronte of 19th century. It was published in London, England, in 1847 with the title Jane Eyre. An Autobiography under the pen name "Currer Bell". The works possess romanticism and realism. This is also the book established Charlotte’s reputation. The Penguin edition describes it as an "influential feminist text" because of its in-depth exploration of a strong female character's feelings.

Some people said that this book is author’s autobiography because the author has some common points with Jane Eyre.The book is based on her own experiences and feelings of life, the most prominent theme is women ‘s strong desire for independence. Besides, the theme was first presented at that time, which made her the pioneer of women who concerned about the fate of women.

It is a novel 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 a lot, she is never portrayed as a damsel in distress who needs rescuing. For this reason, it is sometimes regarded as an important early feminist or pro-feminist novel.

The novel merges elements of 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. The novel also contains much social criticism, with a strong sense of morality at its core, and finally has the brooding and moody quality and Byronic character typical of Gothic fiction.

The novel begins with a ten-year-old orphan named Jane Eyre who is living with her uncle's family, the Reeds. Jane Eyre was born in a poor family. Her parents died in succession within a month when she was a child. So she became an orphan. Little Jane was entrusted to her uncle and aunt. When her uncle was passed away, Jane lived an ill-treated life about 10 years in her aunt’ s home. Jane' s childhood at Gateshead where she is treat badly by her aunt and cousins.She is finally rescued when she is allowed to attend Lowood School for Girls.However, condition is bad in Lowood, suffered from malnutrition and coldness, mental and physical punishments.She got good friends but also suffer from oppression.She takes the position offered by Thornfield Hall, teaching a young French girl. Then she met the master of the castle,Edward Rochester, and fell in love with him quickly. She learns pleasures and pains of love through her relationship with Edward. On their wedding day, someone gave evidence that Rochester had got married for 15 years.Jane has no choice but to leave him.When Jane knew that Rochester was disabled from a fire disaster and become impoverished, she chose to come back and married him. Finally she become a powerful and independent woman, happily lived with the man she loves --Rochester.