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thoughts: Would anyone be opposed to a modern day Jane Eyre except with the roles reversed? (Jane's position being a male nanny/tutor and Mr. Rochester being a powerful woman with a terrible secret) Let me know how you feel about the reversed/modern roles.

Sounds intriguing to me. This is my all time favorite classical novel.

Interesting idea, Jane Eyre is one of the first book that started my love of reading. I think a role reversal would be very applicable to today's society.

I don't think I would be able to fall in love with the character of Mr.Rochester if he was a woman. Unfortunately, I think I would end up disliking the character even after the ending. So I think the roles of Jane and Mr. Rochester should not be changed.

I definitely think that part of the novel's charm was the historical setting...

Also, the fact that Jane had the status of a lady (through her parents) but no money, and yet was strong enough to insist on working and not becoming Rochester's mistress even when they were about to get married.

The historical setting seems as if it is key to making some of the elements of the story. For Keeping poor crazy Bertha up in the attic was creepy when set in the 1800's. However, due to the time period the reader can forgive, and perhaps feel sorry for Edward Rochester because he lives in a time where he didn't have access to mental hospitals, and divorce wasn't an option. Set in modern times, it isn't normal at all and would destroy the story because it eliminates the possibility of redemption. This is just one element where the time period is integral to the story, there are others, such as Jane's discussed marriage to her cousin.

Because of my feelings on the time period this work belongs in, I'd have to say No to a modern day Jane Eyre. Keeping it in its historical time period and switching gender roles would make the story less believable.

I agree with "FullTimeReader". A modern day version plus role reversal would not go over well.

I actually read a modern day Jane Eyre, but the roles were the same. It's called Jane by April Lindner, and I absolutely loved it. Not sure how role reversal would be, but I think re-tellings are intriguing in general.

FullTimeReader wrote:The historical setting seems as if it is key to making some of the elements of the story. For Keeping poor crazy Bertha up in the attic was creepy when set in the 1800's. However, due to the time period the reader can forgive, and perhaps feel sorry for Edward Rochester because he lives in a time where he didn't have access to mental hospitals, and divorce wasn't an option. Set in modern times, it isn't normal at all and would destroy the story because it eliminates the possibility of redemption. This is just one element where the time period is integral to the story, there are others, such as Jane's discussed marriage to her cousin.

Because of my feelings on the time period this work belongs in, I'd have to say No to a modern day Jane Eyre. Keeping it in its historical time period and switching gender roles would make the story less believable.

I too think that the historical setting is a huge part of what makes the story work. Society would never allow much of what on with Rochester keeping his wife in the attic today. It'd be criminal!

-- 18 Jul 2016, 17:25 --

Novelbound wrote:I actually read a modern day Jane Eyre, but the roles were the same. It's called Jane by April Lindner, and I absolutely loved it. Not sure how role reversal would be, but I think re-tellings are intriguing in general.

How did it address some of things like keeping a crazy wife hidden? Or did it skip those aspects?

Your idea of gender reversal is intriguing, but in general, I don't like modern retellings of classics. It would have to be extremely well done for me to like it.

braver wrote:Your idea of gender reversal is intriguing, but in general, I don't like modern retellings of classics. It would have to be extremely well done for me to like it.

I generally don't like modern versions of classics either. To me, it's much like the remaking of movies with new actors. Why???

I can picture it, especially after rethinking on the Bertha character. Bertha's family was just plain horrible for doing that to her. I felt sorry for her. Back in those days the mentally ill and sdevelopmentally disabled were treated poorly. Perhaps Bertha could become Bert the mentally ill and abusive alcoholic husband who desparately needs to be institutionized, but "Edwardina?" is short on capital to get him the care he needs. Yes , I see that it is very doable plot. It is one of my all time favorites as well. There have been many different versions of P & P versions published( different author, I know), but they have been successful. Elizabeth Bennett has even become a vampire and a zombie. I believe the skies are the limit with these oldy but goodies. I believe it will be read and enjoyed!!! ?

That sounds interesting. I like the idea of a powerful heiress in a female Rochester. (I'd also like to see a sapphic retelling where both Jane and Rochester are women and Bertha was a man.

Novelbound wrote: ↑11 Jul 2016, 21:44 I actually read a modern day Jane Eyre, but the roles were the same. It's called Jane by April Lindner, and I absolutely loved it. Not sure how role reversal would be, but I think re-tellings are intriguing in general.

I loved this book too! It certainly doesn't have the weight of the original but it plays with the plot delightfully.

I'd love to see a gender reversed retelling.

Sounds interesting. It would make a good movie too.