Treatment Of Jane in the Reed Family
Introduction: In the novel ‘Jane Eyre’ (1847) by Charlotte Brontë (21 April 1816 – 31 March 1855), the heroine, Jane, is treated cruelly and in unfair manners. Her maternal uncle, Mr. Reed, adopts her after her parent’s death. At the time of his death, Mr. Reed orders his wife, Mrs. Reed, to take care of Jane. However, Jane is not being warmly brought up in this family. Mistreatment to her knows no bounds.
As an Outsider: From the outset, Jane is seemed to be an outsider. This orphan girl is harshly treated by her aunt constantly. Mrs. Reed always loves her children, Eliza, and Georgiana, and denies the physical and emotional needs of Jane. She also forbids Jane to play with her children. Mrs. Reed often punishes Jane brutally and confines her in the ‘red room’ where Mr. Reed faces death earlier.
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As a lower-class girl: Jane’s cousin, John Reed, is also unkind to her. He constantly hits her and calls her name. He often chides her for being of lower class and tells her that she is only allowed to live with them for his mother’s sympathy.
As a mad cat: Jane fights with John and the maidservant of the Reed family, Bessie, scolds her and calls her a mad cat. She also advises Jane to treat John as her (Jane) master as she lives on the charity of the Reed family. The male servant of this house, Abbot, also mistreats Jane. He says that Jane should never think of herself as equal to the Reed family members.
Conclusion: Mistreatment of Jane in the Reed family upholds the injustices she faces as a young girl. In short, her treatment can be marked by neglect, cruelty, and isolation. The total environment is hostile which makes Jane’s life difficult and challenging.
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