Jane Eyre

[prinnyhep]

There is a fabulous quote in Jane Eyre that goes something like this...

All that glitters isnt gold

Is this the right quote? Or have i got it wrong? Is it worded differently? It goes something like that anyway! Please somebody tell me what it is! Thanks!

[Buenchico]

I'm certainly no expert on 'Jane Eyre'. I've tried reading it and watching dramatizations of it and I've repeatedly found it to be one of the dullest works of literature I've ever encountered. (Perhaps that's because I'm a fella'?).

However, I can state with confidence that, if Charlotte Bronte used the quote you refer to, she'd probably nicked it from Shakespeare ;-)

"All that glisters is not gold" is a quote from 'The Merchant of Venice'. However, the next line, "Often have you heard that told" is a clear indication that it was a well known proverb, even in Shakespeare's time.

References to the proverb, or Shakespeare's use of it, occur throughout literature. For example, in 1747 Thomas Gray wrote (in 'Ode on the Death of a Favourite Cat'),
"Not all that tempts your wand'ring eyes
And heedless hearts, is lawful prize;
Nor all, that glisters, gold"

Chris

[prinnyhep]

Thanks Chris.
xx

[saxy_jag]

"It is an old saying that 'all is not gold that glitters;' and in this case I do fear there will be something found to be different to what either you or I expect."

Mrs Fairfax says it, in chapter 24, when she and Jane are discussing Jane's forthcoming marriage to Mr Rochester, but it certainly didn't originate there.

[NiceCupOfTea]

No, buenchico, it's not because you're a fella'. I think it is the dullest work ever, and I'm a girly.

[saxy_jag]

I wouldn't exactly describe it as the dullest work ever, but certainly the work of the Misses Bronte is something of an acquired taste.

[fairkatrina]

Oi! It's fab! Nowhere near as good as 'Wuthering Heights' of course, but still good. Now if you want to read a dull book try 'The Tennant of Wildfell Hall' by Anne Bronte. It seems they all wrote basically the same story, but Emily's was by far the best, and Anne's is just tripe. It should be good, but ain't.

[kirsty1181]

Chapter 24 Mrs Fairfax says it

I was so hurt by her coldness and scepticism, that the tears rose to my eyes.
"I am sorry to grieve you," pursued the widow; "but you are so young, and so little acquainted with men, I wished to put you on your guard. It is an old saying that 'all is not gold that glitters;' and in this case I do fear there will be something found to be different to what either you or I expect."
"Why?--am I a monster?" I said: "is it impossible that Mr. Rochester should have a sincere affection for me?"