Emily Linch

Dear Charlotte Bronte,

Feeling like you are completely inadequate is a funny thing. You try to cry out, but you make no sound. You are completely trapped. Most people can stay like that for a very long time, and I thought that I would too. But then I read your book, Jane Eyre. I began reading for an escape. Jane didn't care who I was, what I'd done or why I was reading her story. I opened the book as a way to travel away from my life, but what I really got was a best friend in Jane.

When Jane drew Miss Ingram's picture and then her own, I could relate. I also felt that I was very plain and I thought that no one would love me like Mr. Rochester seemed to love Blanche that I was doomed to have the pretty girl chosen against me just like Jane. But my fears were all relieved when it all came to light and I laughed when Mr. Rochester told Jane that she was really the one he loved. I couldn't believe that someone could love a girl like me, and even though Jane is older than me, it gave me hope.

Do you know how it feels to hear a beautiful song being played? Your heart aches to play it; your fingers itch to press the keys. But no matter how much you ache as you listen, the feeling when you finally are able to play is so much greater. It's like the music that has been trapped inside is finally released and it makes you fly higher than you ever thought possible. That is how I felt when I read Mr. Rochester's reasons for loving Jane.

Sincerely,
Emily Linch