Review: Mary Barton

This review of Mary Barton also appeared in John Bull. Does it seem to be an accurate summary of the novel? What does it see as the novel's objective or as its effect upon the reader? Does it perceive what we have defined as the novel's intentions, as they are laid out in the Preface? How does it read the conclusion of the novel and, in particular, John Barton's confession to Mr. Carson? Does it view this conclusion as a "success"?

Art Union Review: Vanity Fair

This review of Vanity Fair also appeared in October 1847 (in the Art Union). How does it differ from the review of Jane Eyre, particularly in the questions that it asks and the readership that it assumes? What does it mean to review a novel that is only partially completed? What does the reviewer emphasize and/or leave out? Do you agree with the review? Do you think that the same type of person (of course not the exact same person) could have written this and the review of Jane Eyre?

Our Library Table: Jane Eyre

This review of Jane Eyre appeared in the Athenaeum in early October 1847. What about the novel does it emphasize? What does it leave out? What type of readership does it anticipate? Does it take into consideration a particular audience makeup? Do you agree with the review? How does it define readership and the act of reading?