Interesting perspective of victorian men.March 25, 1997 2 out of 3 found this review helpful
Charlotte Bronte is one of the few female authors of the victroian era who chose to appropriate the male voice in a first person narrative. From this perspective, this is a very interesting novel for it presents a women's view of the male psyche, or rather the male pshyche women wish men possessed. William Crimsworth, the novel's hero, is portrayed as young man who is sympathetic toward women and their gender related struggles. However unrealistic this portrayal may be, considering the times, it does suggest that Charlotte was perhaps ahead of counterparts, recognizing the inequality that exited between men and women. Though this is not one of her more popular novels, it should be recognized for its social critique, a critique that is still applicable today
Satisfaction with Book PurchaseSeptember 9, 2009 Dan K(Huntington, WV) I was most pleased with the prompt delivery of this wonderful novel by Charlotte Bronte. The condition of the book was perfectly described by the seller as "new." I would recommend "The Professor" to anyone who is a follower of Charlotte Bronte's wonderful books. Have both an English and French dictionary at your side when reading it, but this does not distract from the great story.
I have to give this 5 stars... no one writes books like this anymore!February 23, 2009 Jaga 1 out of 2 found this review helpful
With all it's flaws, I have to give this book 5 stars. It has no climax and no real ending. What it does have is Charlotte Bronte's view that fits into today's society. Ahead of her time, women should work and be equal to men... is a huge message for 1857. That men should want intelligent wives and not pretty dumb ones shouts from this book. It has very feminist views, ahead of their time. She also is a bit shocking in her school girl/professor fantasies. This must have been a bit erotic for it's time. If you read between the lines, the heroine likes her man to gently scold her like a school girl and she seems to take pleasure in this. He does not understand why, but likes the results of it. Think about the time this was written in and that she allows passionate kissing and women sitting on mens laps. It has character flaws and many flaws, but I give it 5 stars for it's timeless message to women and to men and it's slightly poetic eroticism. Read it carefully and get a book with the French parts interpreted. This was her first book and the professor is an interesting character in and of himself, like many men of intellect are.
Another Great Love StoryFebruary 22, 2002 Paul Jones(Peyton, CO United States) 2 out of 4 found this review helpful
Though not as well developed as some of the other Bronte stories and perhaps too predictable, The Professor is still a great love story. William Crimsworth must find his own way in the world, first in England and then in Europe. While working in the field of education he finds a love interest but looses to another. He finds another love interest, but looses to circumstance. Finally, however, he overcomes circumstance.
I Wouldn't Recommend It to Everyone, But I Liked ItAugust 19, 2004 oddsfish(Winters, TX) 18 out of 18 found this review helpful
I read this in a class with a lot of people who love Victorian novels, and almost everyone hated it. By general consensus it was dry and featured an unlikeable main character. For this reason, I wouldn't recommend it to many people. Nevertheless, I generally enjoyed it. It wasn't as good as Jane Eyre or Villette, but I am glad I read it.
It is a love story, and as such, I thought it succeeded. What most people saw as dry, I saw as sparse, unsentimental narration. I thought it made the love story a little more original and fresh for me. Though if this sort of storytelling isn't for you, I definitely wouldn't read it.
The other problem that most people have with this is the character of William Crimsworth. At times, he is a chauvenist and a racist. These are difficult aspects to overcome for many.
I think there are two ways to see the novel. First, it can be seen as a decent love story between a flawed man and a woman who may offer him redemption. I don't think this is a totally unenjoyable way to read it. You could also see it as a satire on the chauvenistic, supposedly self-reliant Crimsworth. It's probably a little more successful if you see it this way. If you don't like it one way, look at it from the other. Don't read this novel before Jane Eyre or Villette, but this can be a pretty good read.
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