Jane Eyre, the most misinterpreted work in the history of literature.

Which work in the history of literature is the most misinterpreted by readers? I think it is Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre.

Many readers only believe in Jane's lines and miss the broader context. When Rochester proposes to Jane, he abuses her for about 10 minutes before using the word "equal." But readers think that the two are equal because the word "equal" has appeared.

"I am my own mistress."

This is the most famous line in this work. And people interpret this work as feminism based on this line. So let's check the whole sentence.

"Sir, as well as rich: I am my own mistress. Certainly??unless you object. I will be your neighbour, your nurse, your housekeeper. I find you lonely: I will be your companion??to read to you, to walk with you, to sit with you, to wait on you, to be eyes and hands to you. Cease to look so melancholy, my dear master."

The lines that follow are even more shocking.

"All my heart is yours, sir: it belongs to you."

In this way, the author did not emphasize that Jane was an independent woman, but that she was begging to be a housekeeper in Rochester with her free will.

When interpreting literature like this, words must be considered in context. That is the analysis in literature.

Many readers miss Jane's strong desire for a status rise, her aversion to all things that are not British, and her obedient attitude toward men in this work.