In perspective, I have come to realize how different Austen was in relation to the other writers of England and all of it's social dramas of the 18th century.
Tonight I started watching 'Little Dorrit' by Charles Dickens and while I enjoy the story in itself, it's amazing to see all the different perspectives of the same England society. Austen painted in pastels and watercolors where the Bronte sisters brushed in charcoal.
A distant acquaintance brought up Jane Eyre tonight and the wheels started spinning, albeit not much quicker than their usual whirring default :)
The story alone: virginal, modest, but poor girl has hard life, intrigues rich, self-important man with a dark secret, bad hair, and even worse home decor. Blah blah, secrets are exposed, said girl suffers love and it's effectually painful aftershocks. Then fate deals both a decent hand {depending on the perspective} and they end up together despite. The end.
That being said, I don't understand how Austen can portray such vivid character details about the normal, day to day life with such light, beautiful eloquence and the Bronte sisters can portray the SAME life that while leaving the reader feeling as if their brain has sucked on a fresh lemon. Albeit for me to denounce one of the greats but really, the only common thread between the sisters and Austen is that everyone ends up in a prudent match. The problem with Jane Eyre is that you would really prefer her not to.
Personally, I would rather be a charming, well-loved, and financially independent schoolteacher to the poor but witty girls of the town than marry someone who drags me to my wedding and hides a ferocious 'lil nutcracker in the back of my house.
Eesh, well at least..Tiger Woods, eat your heart out.
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