Podcast Postscript: Chapter 9

Chapter 9 is a powerful chapter of Jane Eyre, where Charlotte transitions from bright, encouraging scenes of spring coming to Lowood to the realities of an epidemic of typhus and the worsening condition of Helen’s tuberculosis taking away from the beauty surrounding Lowood.  

I’ve been listening to the Paul Gordon/John Caird musical version of Jane Eyre recently, and since this chapter really focuses on Helen’s last days and introduces the profound effect her life will have on Jane going forward, I’ve been particularly saddened by the song that Helen sings in the musical.  Her big number is called “Forgiveness” and just perfectly encapsulates the level of piety and forbearance that makes up her character.  Yet there is a final verse at the end of the song that becomes a bit of a recurring theme in the musical and again illustrates Helen’s influence on Jane.  

The final song on the show is called Brave Enough for Love, and I absolutely adore recurring themes in a musical, and again I just felt particularly touched by this song and Helen’s message to Jane right now.  It’s something that I’m sure I will continue to mention in subsequent episodes of the podcast, but I do love how Jane continues to remember Helen in the story.  Even to how she mentions at the end of Chapter 9 that a gravestone has been placed on her grave 15 years later - presumably by Jane herself, in remembrance of her friend.

 Have a listen to our discussion of Chapter 9 of Jane Eyre here:

Jane Eyre The Musical

I talked about this musical on my old blog, but with the new revised version premiering at the Cleveland Musical Theater, I wanted to revisit what I love about the Caird and Gordon version.

This version was on Broadway in 2000 and featured Marla Schaffel and James Barbour in the main roles.  I first listened to the soundtrack of this musical when I was in college and didn’t really like it!  I was not the fan of musicals that I am now, but I credit this musical for making me fall in love with the genre because I continued to listen and grew to appreciate the way it told the story.  And that led me to love experiencing stories through music and the way it can heighten the emotion.  And if you think about the show as an adaptation, it is surprisingly comprehensive.  It includes many aspects that some film adaptations don’t bother with - including Jane’s childhood, Helen Burns, St. John Rivers, and Rochester as the gypsy!  I love that this show can bring so much of the story to life, while also creating some great emotional moments through song.  And I’m going to highlight some of those moments now.

“Forgiveness” This is Helen Burns’ song to inspire Jane to let go of her resentment and it takes a religious tone which is very true to Helen’s character.  It also sets up a what a strong influence Helen is in Jane’s life.  Musically it does this by introducing this refrain:

You must never lose faith You must never lose heart God will restore your trust And I know you're afraid I'm as scared as you are But willing to be brave Brave enough for love 

Which comes up a couple of times later, and notably in the finale which brings Jane’s character arc around full circle.  Helen doesn’t get a lot of stage time, but the fact that she is included elevates this musical as an adaptation.