J&R's first meetings
Posted by Cheryl on September 29, 1997 at 13:33:25:
This is only the second time I've read Jane Eyre, but I well remember my initial aversion to Rochester. I thought "This man is a complete jerk and he's supposed to be this great romantic figure?" He is rude to Jane, short-tempered, in bad humor, gruff, etc... But Jane took it all in stride. She had been so used to being treated poorly by everyone that she didn't find it unusual or hurtful, I suppose.
On this reading, I can see the pain behind Rochester's outbursts, for I know his history now, and I'm more forgiving. But Jane did not know his history, nor do first-time readers. Did any of you have the same reaction I did on their first reading?
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