Tomorrow (October 28, 2017) we will be meeting at Arden Dimick Library to discuss Jane Eyre. Our meeting is at 10:30AM.

Traditionally I bring food, and I plan to bring food tomorrow. But what to bring? Here’s a hilarious list of the awful meals in Jane Eyre from the website “The Toast.”

Back in 2014, I wrote a short eBook called Pride, Prejudice, and Popcorn: TV and Film Adaptations of Pride and Prejudice, Wuthering Heights, and Jane Eyre. This book is available online from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks for $0.99.

In the book, I talk about the life stories of the authors, the central themes of the books, and some of the adaptations of the books. I had great fun ranting about the Brontes and their horrible health problems, and breaking down what I see as the most important aspects of Jane Eyre:

1. Jane maintains her sense of self against all those who disparage her.
2. During most of the book, Jane is lonely and frustrated by the bonds set on her by society.
3. Jane has a strong sense of morality and a strong sense of spirituality, which is expressed in both Christian and supernatural terms.
4. Any adaptation should show that Jane and Rochester have great chemistry and that they are good companions for each other.
5. Despite their chemistry, there are also very good reasons for Jane to stay away from Rochester.
6. The point of the story is not that Jane and Rochester get married. The point is that when they get married, Jane marries Rochester as his equal.
7. Jane Eyre is, among other things, a gothic story, and as such any adaptation should include a sense of menace, mystery, melodrama, and isolation.

Happy viewing, Dear Readers!