China Mandates 'Jane Eyre' to Counter Social Media Romance

China's educational system has introduced "Jane Eyre" to teenagers this month as a mandatory reading text. The 19th-century novel is intended to provide a counterbalance to the superficial notions of love and relationships often portrayed in contemporary online entertainment. This decision follows a recent campaign by Chinese censors against "harmful and lowbrow" online content that promotes distorted views on relationships and marriage.

State media suggests that reading the story of Jane Eyre, an orphan who finds independence and love, will help students develop sounder values during a crucial developmental stage. The novel has a long history of popularity in China since its arrival in 1925. However, its inclusion comes at a time when other forms of feminist discourse are under scrutiny. Some parents express skepticism about modern Chinese youth understanding or relating to the novel's complex love story, with one noting her son questioned if it promoted unhealthy obsessions.

Academics and scholars have offered mixed views. While some, like recent graduate Qin Shiwen, deem it necessary for character development beyond academics, others, such as sociologist Yan Hairong, find the novel problematic due to its portrayal of the "mad woman in the attic" and potential colonial themes. Concerns have been raised that students might absorb the text without critically examining its embedded issues, especially if presented as an example of profound romantic love in middle school.