Historical Fiction Annotation

Author: Charlotte Bronte

Title: Jane Eyre

Genre: Historical Fiction, classic literature

Publication Date: has been republished many times, original publication date is 1847, the version I have was published in 2006

Number of Pages: this also varies depending on the republication version, but the version I have is 576 pages

Geographical Setting: Northern England

Time Period: early 1800’s, although the book never says specifically, but based on the year the book was published and the plot of the book, this is a safe bet.

Series (If applicable): n/a

 

Plot Summary:

This is a story of one person’s search for a place they can be their true self, a place to call home and the search for someone to share life’s journey with.

Jane Eyre tells the story of an orphan named Jane who goes to live with her aunt, uncle and cousins after her father dies. Janes relatives are not particularly welcoming to this new addition to their household. Jane faces many trials and tribulations with this new family, which ends with her being sent to a school for girls. At this school Jane’s life does not improve and one could argue becomes worse, but she does make her first true friend. When Jane comes of age she teaches at this school and begins looking for a governess position. She finds a job at Thornfield Hall. With this new position Jane faces challenges that test her closely held views of herself and the kind of life she wants to live. Jane finds love, loses love, and ultimately triumphs and carves out a life for herself.

 Our textbook Wyatt and Saricks define the historical fiction genre as one that “transports readers to the past, thereby letting them witness what has transpired in our global family time line” (2019, p.169). While Jane Eyre wouldn’t have been considered historical fiction at the time of its original publication in 1847, in our present time of 2023, the title now fits the description. From the book we get a glimpse into the challenges that women from that time frame would have faced and the limited choices they had if they were not born into a wealthy family.

 

Subject Headings:

• England Social Life and Customs
• Governess Fiction
• Classical Novel
• Love Stories

Appeal:

Here are some words from one of our readings called “The Secret Language of Books, a Guide to Appeal” that I would use to describe the appeal of this book (Novelist, 2018).

• Compelling
• Descriptive
• Atmospheric

 3 terms that best describe this book:

• Character driven
• Slow burn
• Strong female characters

 

3 Relevant Non-Fiction Works and Authors

 

Author: Lucasta Miller

Book: The Bronte Myth

This book tells the story of the Bronte sisters and how their personal stories have been distorted throughout history.

 

Author: Mary Wollstonecraft

Book: Vindication of the Rights of Women

At the time of its original publication in  1792, this book was considered to be scandalous because of its arguments for women’s rights.

 

Author: Claire Harman

Book: Charlotte Bronte A Fiery Heart

This book tells the story of Charlotte Bronte and how her life shaped the books that made her live on long after she was gone.

 

 3 Relevant Fiction Works and Authors

Author: Jane Austen

Book: Pride and Prejudice

This book also focuses on a strong female character and her journey to carving out a life for herself in a time where marriage is one of the few options.

 

Author: Louisa May Alcott

Book: Little Women

This book focuses on the story of a group of strong women and the choices they make to carve out lives for themselves in a society where choices are few.

 

Author: Emily Bronte

Book: Wuthering Heights

This book focuses on a strong female main character, the limited choices she has during the time period she lives in and what she sacrifices for love.