Friday, January 20, 2012
Post-Thornfield
I thought things took an unexpected turn in the book when Jane left Thornfield. I thumbed to the end of the book and saw that there was over a hundred pages of text left! What could possibly fill the last of the book? And then I realized that this book is not about Rochester and romance, but it is about Jane. Rochester and Thornfield are a moment in Jane's history. I found myself getting so caught up in all the drama revolving around Thornfield, that I forgot this wasn't solely a romance novel but a memoir of sorts. Jane's life will continue with or without Rochester. And she makes that very clear to herself and to her readers. Upon leaving Thornfield she says, "I care for myself". Bronte reminds us that Jane is more than just a woman in love: she is a resilient, independent individual that will make the best and most out of any situation.
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I can remember the first time I read this book and I had the same thought you did when Jane left Thornfield--"Now what? How can there be another 100 pages?" And I love your claim that this book is about JANE, with or without Rochester. Now, I do think this isn't a slam-dunk point--Jane can't stop thinking about him after she leaves--but that's what makes the book so much fun!
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