Reviews tagging 'Racism'

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

101 reviews

thebookphoenix's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

So satisfying 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Child abuse, Child death, Racial slurs, Racism, and Suicide

hjb_128's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, and Violence

Moderate: Child death, Confinement, Death, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, Fire/Fire injury, Colonisation, and Classism

Minor: Incest, Racism, and Death of parent

kirjakimalainen's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

The writing is great of course but i honestly saw the story more as horror than romance. Like this is absolutely not a relationship i'd want to end up in

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, and Classism

Moderate: Colonisation

Minor: Suicide

chanatova's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective relaxing sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Terminal illness, Grief, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Classism, and Pandemic/Epidemic

Moderate: Ableism, Incest, and Mental illness

Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Racial slurs, Racism, Toxic relationship, Antisemitism, and Alcohol

ivyhelena's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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Content Warnings

Minor: Racism

katie0528's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

A classic gothic tale following the lonely life of Jane Eyre. Orphaned at a young age, raised by an abusive aunt, sent to boarding school, Jane finally sets out on her own to be governess at the remote Thornfield Hall, teaching the illegitimate daughter of the landowner, Mr. Rochester. But as Jane and her employer grow closer, strange things happen around them, threatening their happiness.

The source of the mad wife locked in the attic trope

, this story is full of mysterious intruige, strange servants, ghosts, and other supernatural phenomena that any gothic fan would love

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, and Gaslighting

Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Mental illness, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, and Classism

Minor: Racism, Slavery, and Terminal illness

nadiajohnsonbooks's review against another edition

dark emotional tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Forced institutionalization, Medical trauma, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Fire/Fire injury

Moderate: Ableism, Colonisation, and Classism

Minor: Racial slurs and Slavery

isabel_is_reading's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

“Jane Eyre” is a beautiful and impactful novel that I first read in 8th grade. Back then, my reading comprehension wasn’t as well developed as it is now, and my tastes have changed quite a bit. I didn’t and still don’t love romance, but I gave it a shot because of its classic status. I didn’t love it, but I think that’s mostly just me. I plan on re-reading it one day.

At its core, the story explores Jane’s relentless quest for home and belonging. Each segment of her life brings her closer to understanding what it means to be true to oneself, despite societal pressures and personal challenges. Brontë’s storytelling is gripping, and her execution of Jane’s character development is superb, showcasing Jane’s strength and moral integrity.

Rochester and Jane’s romance and dynamic are… interesting. I think they are good together. Jane and Rochester are each other’s intellectual equals. They are both smart, and despite the initial power dynamic (with Rochester being older and of a higher social status), they grow to care for each other deeply. Their relationship is fraught with tension, especially after the revelation of Rochester’s existing marriage to Bertha Mason. This twist showcases Jane’s moral fortitude as she refuses to become his mistress, choosing dignity and independence over passion.

While I understand why the twist made sense at the time, I find the addition of Bertha Mason to be a bit strange, especially in the context of current times. The treatment of mental illness and the racial component of her character don’t age well. Bertha Mason, also known as the madwoman in the attic, is Mr. Rochester’s first wife, whom he keeps locked in a room on the third floor of Thornfield Hall. She is a woman from the West Indies of mixed racial ancestry and is, according to Mr. Rochester, a lunatic. Rochester’s narrative of events reveals his initial allure to her beauty and wealth, only to discover her supposed madness post-marriage. His descriptions of her as having “a violent and unreasonable temper” play into the stereotype of the “other” as exotic, mysterious, and ultimately threatening. Since Bertha lacks a voice in the novel, it’s impossible to know if she truly has a mental illness or if Rochester’s biased version distorts her true character.

Jane only marries Rochester after she becomes financially independent and has a sense of family. Rochester, now weakened, tips the balance, making their relationship more equal. This can be seen as Brontë’s way of giving Jane more autonomy, which I appreciate.

The juxtaposition between St. John and Rochester is also interesting. Rochester is passionate, while St. John is driven by principles and morality. Jane’s decision to not choose St. John but still remain financially independent and follow her moral compass shows she values both passion and integrity. She won’t be in a relationship that goes against her principles, which is compelling.

Helen Burns is another intriguing character with her differing views on religion compared to the school’s doctrine. Her submissive and soft nature contrasts with Jane’s tough-willed character, who strives for a better life instead of relying on blind faith. Yet, Jane’s belief in God to guide her makes sense within her journey.

Overall, “Jane Eyre” is a novel worth revisiting for its rich themes and character depth, even if the romance aspect isn’t my preferred genre.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Ableism, Child abuse, and Forced institutionalization

Moderate: Chronic illness, Death, Racism, and Violence

Minor: Classism

booksoversecondbreakfast's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A lot slower than I prefer but overall a beautiful and emotionally challenging (in a good way) book. Jane Eyre was such a loveable character. She deserved better, but she convinced me to feel happy for her by the end.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Death of parent, and Classism

Moderate: Ableism, Child abuse, Confinement, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Suicide attempt, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Fire/Fire injury

Minor: Incest, Racism, Religious bigotry, and Colonisation

gandalf_a's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Mental illness, Forced institutionalization, Fire/Fire injury, and Gaslighting

Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, and Classism

Minor: Cursing, Incest, Infidelity, Racism, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail