Why is Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice more popular than Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre?

Question

That's the way it seems anyways with the Pride and Prejudice movies, so many fan clubs, discussion groups, etc.

Answer 1

I love both books, have seen movies of both books and, I'll be darned, I'm stumped by your question. I think you're right that there's more of an audience for "Pride and Prejudice" than for "Jane Eyre" but I'm going to have to think about why that is. The only thing that occurs to me now is - and this is just a guess - "Jane Eyre" and it's characters are a good bit more melancholy, live in a harsher environment and are just a tad less likable to the general audience. It's a gloomier story, even in the end when Jane and Rochester are together, he's been maimed and she's gone through near starvation. That may put some folks off.

Answer 2

Jane Austen had an acute observation and understanding of human behaviours that made the book so well-loved. It's also a hit perhaps due to the very popular BBC's 1995 adaptation of P&P. It truly captured the spirit of the book. I thought Jennifer Ehle played Miss Elizabeth Bennet in the miniseries exceedingly well. Every women was madly in love with lofty Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy (the character played by Colin Firth ) mainly because of that famous "wet-white-shirt-nipples- showing lake scene". I thought it was overrated, though. Having said that, I enjoy watching Colin Firth in practically any movie he's in, mainly because I like the real Colin Firth, though his acting is rather good too, just not as challenging. He's no Brad Pitt but to me, he's delicious in an unconventional sorta way. Most importantly, he seems intelligent, witty, level-headed, humble and charming in interviews and doesn't crave for excessive publicity and these qualities arouse me more than dripping-wet Mr Darcy, who's mmm... "tolerable I suppose, but not handsome enough to tempt me." Insufferable man ! Hee..hee.. :-)

Answer 3

the movie, unless you're referencing to the A&E version isn't like the book. You need to read both books before you pass judgement.
Jane Eyre, was a twistedly sick novel, totally depressing and the romance in that book stinks. Pride and Prejudice on the other hand is full of whit and a good feeling that you just can't help relating to; that's why people like it better than Jane Eyre.
God Bless!!!

Answer 4

I have read and reread both books many times over the last many years. I would consider both to be favorites. However, IMHO, Jane Austin was a much better writer than Ms Bronte. The character development is much deeper and believable in Pride/Prejudice, the dialogue betweeen characters witty and intelligent. In Jane Eyre, Jane is fairly one dimensional, as is Mr. Rochester. It is, essentially, a melodrama. But still fun to read.

Answer 5

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice has a movie and a BBC series. My mom is obsessed with Jane Austen and watches them repeatedly. The movie with Kiera Knightly is a redo of the older version. People who normally would never read the book, saw the movie/series and loved it.

Answer 6

I read The Eyre Affair which is a parody with a woman that could talk to characters in the movie. I read Pride Prejudice and Zombies. I would pick up Jane Eryotica, and read the first chapter in the store and make up my mind then about reading more. I think Jane Austin would turn over in her grade over all of them. They were wound too tight in that century. I hated Silas Marner. I would love to see that one mashed up and made readable. I have seen zombies, sea monsters, vampires, aliens, and robots. So perhaps fairies and unicorns. I could be George Elliot, IV. Personally I think "George" deserves to have her awful book parodied. I couldn't make it any more unreadable.

Answer 7

I read both books and watched both movies. Charlotte Bronte, like her older sister Emily Bronte, wrote weirder stories.The atmosphere in Jane Eyre is a strange one, unknown, dark and full of mistery.Pride and prejudice is a good book but in my opinion not as good as Charlotte Bronte's.I lpreffer the strange feeling and the taste of unknown that appears in the books of Brontes sisters. My favourite book is Wuthering Heights that is one of the greatest book of mankind and it is also written by a woman.People don't like the mistery, darkness and melancholic athmospere as much as they like love stories. Both books are good and they cant be compared because they are different.

Answer 8

For me, Elizabeth Bennet is a character that more women can directly relate too...Austen wrote her so well, her feelings, her emotions, her method of thinking...this alone would make it more popular.

It also didn't hurt that the BBC miniseries of P&P had the gorgeous Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy...and the new movie wasn't so bad either.

Answer 9

I dont know. I havent read Pride and Prejeduice but i couldnt even finish Jane Eyre. I just found it really boring

Answer 10

courious...many people answering have stated how much they like Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy
but I say...mmmmmmmmmm Orson Welles as Mr. Rochester

regarding your question: Jane is abused, meek and subserviant. Who wants to relate to that? While Elizabeth is outgoing, outspoken and vibrant.
Both are good books, but Janes' work is funny and smart. Charlotte's is bleek and often sad.