Magpie and Muttonfly

“Prejudices, it is well known, are most difficult to eradicate from the heart whose soil has never been loosened or fertilised by education: they grow there, firm as weeds among stones.”
- Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre

October 6, 1847 a book titled “Jane Eyre” was first published in London.  Written under the pseudonym Curer Bell, this coming of age story was an immediate success.  It was such a success that the author was called to the publishing house to make herself known.  So it was that Charlotte Bronte was credited with her work.  A woman of all things!   Of course, this would never do for many critics.  Once they knew ”he” was definitely a she, the book could do no right.  All the same, Charlotte Bronte was greatly admired by many.  She created a powerful work of realism.  She managed to condemn some injustice, while seeming to embrace others.  In doing so, she proves we may hold prejudice unawares; and just because a prejudice holds us back, doesn’t mean it has to keep us down.