Student Question

What are the main differences between the film and novel Jane Eyre?

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The main differences between the film adaptations of Jane Eyre and the novel include plot and character alterations. The 1943 film eliminates the Rivers family and changes St. John into a benevolent character, altering Jane's independence. The 1996 version includes a softened St. John and has Jane adopt Adele. The 2011 film uses a non-linear narrative, starting with Jane's escape from Thornfield, contrasting with the novel's chronological structure.

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There are multiple film versions of Jane Eyre, and this answer will cover the most significant ones: the 1943 movie, the 1996 movie, and the 2011 movie.

The 1943 film's biggest departure is its total elimination of the Rivers in their original form from the story. St. John Rivers is changed into the kindly, father-like Dr. Rivers, a character who is nothing like the arrogant, cold St. John of the book. This character is linked with Lowood and presented as a foil to the cruel Brocklehurst. While Jane does run away from Thornfield after Rochester's past is made clear, she returns to Gateshead Hall, where the scene at her aunt's deathbed occurs much later than it does in the novel. After her aunt's death, Jane considers going back to Lowood to seek employment before deciding to return to Rochester. These choices eliminate Jane's independence: she is no longer an heiress and no longer in contact with long-lost relatives. She returns to Rochester once more homeless, friendless, and in need of the love he could give her, quite unlike in the book.

The 1996 movie does include the Rivers subplot, but it is whittled down. Only one of the Rivers sisters appears. St. John is softened as a character, becoming far gentler toward Jane. His marriage proposal does not come from him desiring a hardworking, moral missionary partner but from being fond of Jane as a person. This version also has Jane adopt Adele as a daughter after she marries Rochester.

The 2011 version is notable for starting in medias res, unlike the novel, which opens with Jane's childhood. This film begins with Jane's flight from Thornfield and her rescue by the Rivers family. The film proceeds to cut between this scenario and Jane's past, which is quite opposite of the linear approach of the novel.

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