Monday, August 8, 2011

here's to your health


Last night I watched the 2011 version of Jane Eyre. It was beautiful and haunting but I was a little disturbed remembering how romantic I thought the book was when I read it in high school since it's kind of a tale of successful sexual harassment...

Maybe the book is different, or maybe all girls Catholic school really does mess a person up. 

Luckily, my favorite part of the book was still perfect. It's when a young Jane has the following conversation with the headmaster of her new school:

“No sight so sad as that of a naughty child,” he began, “especially a naughty little girl. Do you know where the wicked go after death?”


“They go to hell,” was my ready and orthodox answer.


“And what is hell? Can you tell me that?”


“A pit full of fire.”


“And should you like to fall into that pit, and to be burning there forever?”


“No, sir.”


“What must you do to avoid it?”


I deliberated a moment; my answer, when it did come, was objectionable: “I must keep in good health and not die.”

3 comments:

Tiffany Kadani said...

I LOVED Jane Eyre in high school and I, too, saw the most recent film version. Love her!

A Crimson Kiss said...

Such an absolutely PERFECT response!

Brandi said...

I remember how haunting the story was when I first read it in high school (or maybe it was 8th grade?). That scene is fantastic. And I liked parts of the movie (like the one below), but I never quite understood why she was so in love with Rochester.

Another favorite scene:
Rochester: Were you waiting for your people on that lane?
Jane Eyre: I have no people, sir.
Rochester: I mean, for the imps and elves and little green men.
Jane Eyre: Sad truth is they are all gone. Your land is neither wild nor savage enough for them.