Classic novels have, for a long time, held that spot on my books to read list... I’ll read it when I get the chance, I’ll read it when I’m free, I’ll read it when... All of those excuses pretty much translated to I’ll read it when I literally have nothing better to do. All of a sudden, I’m stuck at home, bored out of my mind and... well... I’ve run out of excuses.
I was always reluctant to pick up a classic novel, despite them being prominently featured in lists like Top 10 Must-Read Novels. I was overwhelmed by their sheer size and assumed that the contents would be slow or boring. That may be so; novels of this kind are not everyone’s cup of tea. But I had to give it a try. The books I had bought for my university course remained unread on my shelf and taunted me day and night. There was no longer a need to read, they seemed to say to me. You have no deadline, no obligation, and above all, no excuse. There was nothing stopping me except my own reluctance. For someone who loved to read, this was a lot of resistance. But with a bit of patience and a few changes to my slovenly, monotonous lock-down routine, I slowly fell in love with Jane Eyre.
I finished Jane Eyre over the course of a few weeks. It is an absolutely magnificent book and completing it gave me an immense sense of satisfaction. Charlotte Bronte writes remarkably well; the words flow like music, while her story grips you and never lets you go. Even if you know what is going to happen, your anticipation and excitement does not cease. That’s the beauty of classics, isn’t it? The heart of the story is not in the knowledge, but the experience.
Classics can make you nostalgic for a time you never knew, for experiences you’ll never have. There is a certain quiet charm in what they offer; we cannot help but envision ourselves in those cottages near the woods or mansions in the countryside. We feel the softness of the satin and lace, and take in the fresh air blowing over the fields. More than anything, there is a peaceful serenity that comes with the uncertainty. Classics are, in their own way, an escapist fantasy, and it is more relevant now than ever.
I read most of Jane Eyre while sitting in the (empty, mind you) flower bed on my balcony. The key to enjoying this venture, as it turns out, was variety – I had to get out of bed, out of my room, and I was already halfway there. A difference in location and scenery can undoubtedly improve your mood. The flower bed became my reading spot, my little corner away from the rest of the world. I left my phone behind and brought with me nothing but the book and a pillow. That was all I needed. Warm, sunny afternoons or cold, rainy evenings, I enjoyed it all from my balcony. It was a much needed escape from everything around me. If time stayed still, I would never leave.
Jane Eyre’s mystical, Gothic tone was enticing and addictive. The charm of simpler times was not lost on me; I loved the story for all its characters, all the while aware of their drastic flaws. I cherished deeply the escapism offered by the story, and now that it’s over, I’ll be looking for more classic novels to read. Jane Eyre is a classic that I thoroughly enjoyed reading, and now that the inhibitions have been put to rest, so many more stories await me.
All
I have to do is pick up a book and head to the flower bed.
Aiswarya Roy
About Author: Aiswarya Roy is a BA English student and author of the novel "Home Safe Home". She enjoys reading and writing. She is an avid animal lover, she is also enthusiastic about movies and comic books.
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