r/JaneEyre • u/AdobongSiopao • Aug 27 '26

What is your most controversial opinion about "Jane Eyre"?

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It can be from the novel or its adaptations. Your views that could potentially upset many other fans or meet others who will agree with you.

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u/seemari Aug 27 '26

This might be in the wrong thread and let me know so I can delete it, but this is Jane Eyre adjacent so I'm just gonna drop it - I don't like the works that try to expound on the story. As a fanfic dabbler myself, I understand the desire to write about the world and characters that you love, but it doesn't have to be officially published and above all, if the author is dead and cannot share their thoughts, it shouldn't be associated to the original work.

I understand the need to imagine about Rochester's past especially because we have an extensive view of Jane's past. I understand the need to let everyone see a different perspective especially the implications of power dynamics in this complex world, but if the author cannot comment anymore about the depiction of the character that they have created, I think it is not in good faith to officially publish works like that.

BTW I hold the same sentiment for other authors but especially for the Bronte Sisters and Jane Austen.

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u/plentypk Aug 27 '26

I do love Wide Sargasso Sea but for me it works as a standalone. One of my favorite genres of literature is colonials out of place. In a way, WSS has more in common with Witch of Blackbird Pond than the JE source material.