This is the Mask: A Book Blog

Thank you NetGalley and Aurora Metro Books for the ARC of “Charlotte Bronte’s Psyche” by Elizabeth Imlay.

   The parallels Elizabeth Imlay draws between Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Eyre” and the myth of Cupid and Psyche are fascinating. I have lost count of how many times I have read “Jane Eyre” (it’s my favorite book), and I have never made the connection to the possible influences of the myth.

   One could suggest that Imlay’s theory is far-fetched, but she breaks down each of her arguments into supported examples and even the farthest-reaching suggestion has merit. Imlay’s research includes multiple sources—she clearly knew her thesis would be under scrutiny.

I will agree that the idea that “Jane Eyre” is a nineteenth century reworking of the Cupid and Psyche myth feels like an outlandish claim, but Imlay’s research strongly suggests this, as does the historical record of Charlotte Bronte’s access to vast amounts of literature, courtesy of her father’s library and his decision to educate his daughters.

   After reading this, I am inclined to suggest that Bronte was inspired by the myth, rather than say she turned it into a contemporary story. Her characters are too vivid and have too much life to be copies of an idea. I think Bronte wrote an entirely original story influenced by myth and faerie tales, as Imlay so brilliantly presents in her book.