What Jane Eyre Teaches Us About Books and Reading
It’s September again, and for many, this means one thing: back to school whether that’s as a student, teacher, TA or as a parent. Education, learning doesn’t just take place in schools but throughout our lives. For me at least, as an avid reader I have learnt so much from books, both fiction and non-fiction especially as the best books enable you to see and experience the world through a different viewpoint. One of my favourite books to read at this time of year is Jane Eyre, a character for whom reading is an essential part of her learning and self-development.
Books are both a refuge and a teacher for her, offering comfort in times of loneliness and sparking her imagination. Jane's love for reading begins in her childhood and continues to be a vital part of her life at Lowood, the harsh and abusive boarding school she is sent to.
Jane reads voraciously, seeking knowledge and understanding. Books teach her about courage, integrity, and the complexities of human nature. The stories she reads help her develop empathy and a deeper understanding of herself and others. Through literature, Jane learns to question the world around her and to form her own beliefs and values. Jane’s story reminds us that every experience, no matter how challenging, has the potential to shape us into stronger, wiser individuals. And just like Jane, we too can find strength in adversity and inspiration in the pages of a good book.
Would Charlotte Brontë approve of my making jewellery from old copies of this book? I hope she’d see it as it is meant, a way to carry a piece of Jane’s spirit with us and show that her words are powerful and that we want to celebrate them and how special and meaningful the book is to us.
Jane Eyre is one of the most popular books in my range and at markets I often have chats with customers about this book and why it means so much to them. Interestingly I have also found that my buyers at least usually have a preference for either Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights – and there are no prizes for guessing my favourite of the two.
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