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Reviews tagging 'Ableism'
Jane Eyre: A Guide to Reading and Reflecting by Charlotte Brontë, Karen Swallow Prior
70 reviews
chanatova's review against another edition
- 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
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
nadiajohnsonbooks's review against another edition
- 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
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
kell_xavi's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Colonisation and Classism
Moderate: Ableism, Child death, Emotional abuse, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Incest and Suicide
eedle_cacleberry's review against another edition
Graphic: Ableism, Child abuse, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Death, Mental illness, Sexism, Suicide, and Fire/Fire injury
isabel_is_reading's review against another edition
- 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
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.
Graphic: Ableism, Child abuse, and Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Chronic illness, Death, Racism, and Violence
Minor: Classism
booksoversecondbreakfast's review against another edition
- 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
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
theothergrl's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
If it were for that I'd give it 5 stars, however the 2nd half is heavily racist, ableist, xenophobic, and classist. Themes of colonialism and religious missions, institutionalisation, grooming (Jane is sadly very much groomed by the men in her life), etc. There is no condemnation of any of this, no revolt against bigotry in the narrative. Therefore, I can't give it a pass for being "of its time", as there are many classics which either resist against or refuse to entertain such bigotry.
Graphic: Ableism, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, Religious bigotry, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Incest, Suicide, Violence, Grief, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Colonisation, and Classism
Minor: Drug abuse, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Forced institutionalization, Antisemitism, and Death of parent
josisteacup's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Ableism, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Racism, and Fire/Fire injury
misswendy's review against another edition
- 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
3.0
Graphic: Ableism, Mental illness, Violence, Blood, and Abandonment
verytwilly's review against another edition
- 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
Minor: Ableism, Suicidal thoughts, Fire/Fire injury, and Classism