I had trouble getting it indexed but it's done now. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Literature/Shirley
It's greatly underrated, in many points it's more profound and realistic than Jane Eyre. But after her sisters died, Charlotte Bronte couldn't keep up so Volume 3 is vague and inconsistent. The first 2 volumes are good though, and prove that contrary to expectations, she could write decent male characters.
Caroline Helstone, the protagonist, is a masterpiece of fiction.
Oh you made a page for Shirley thats great :)
To be honest i have always found Jane Eyre to be overrated both in its themes and plot but thats just my personal preference. Shirley is actually next on my list of books to read once i've finished Clemence Housman's The Unknown Sea so i will be sure to drop by the page you've created once i have read the novel and add to it if i can think of any tropes you havent already listed.
Totally agree about Jane Eyre being overrated. Shirley and Villette are waaay underrated. Thanks, if you could add tropes that would be great!
If you're interested, I've written part of a Shirley fanfiction: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8504415/1/Louis-Moore-the-Romantic-Charlotte-Bronte-fanfic
But you have to read the book to understand it.

problem resolved
edited 23rd Sep '12 1:53:40 PM by fyodorbingoffsky