How does Mr. Brocklehurst ill-treat Jane at Lowood School
Jane Eyre is a notable literary work by Charlotte Brontë. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Jane Eyre.
Answer
How does Mr. Brocklehurst ill-treat Jane at Lowood school? [NU: 2016, 17, 19, 22] ★★★
Charlotte Brontë in “Jane Eyre” (1847) shows the cruelty of Victorian schools. At Lowood, Jane suffers under Mr. Brocklehurst. He is a harsh, hypocritical head. He insults, shames, and punishes children without mercy. His treatment of Jane shows injustice to poor girls.
Public Shame and Insult: Mr. Brocklehurst calls Jane a liar in front of all. He points at her and says,
“This girl is—a liar!”
The girls are told to avoid her. Jane feels deep shame. She stands alone, insulted. Charlotte shows how cruel words can wound a child’s heart. His insult is not true, but it still hurts Jane’s spirit.
Harsh Rules and Discipline: Brocklehurst makes rules that bring suffering. He orders girls to cut their hair short. He bans curls, saying they show pride. He forces them to wear poor clothes. Jane notes,
“Our clothing was insufficient to protect us from the severe cold.”
This shows his cruelty. The children wear thin clothes in winter. They eat bad food and feel hungry. He calls it religion, but it is injustice.
Hypocrisy and Double Standards: Brocklehurst’s own family lives in luxury. His wife and daughters visit Lowood in rich silk dresses. Yet he wants the poor girls to look plain. He preaches humility but practices pride. Jane sees this false nature. Charlotte shows the hypocrisy of Victorian men who used religion to control others.
Mr. Brocklehurst treats Jane with insult and cruelty. He shames her in front of her friends. He makes strict rules that cause pain. He shows hypocrisy in words and deeds. Through him, Charlotte Brontë attacks the false piety of Victorian society and its harsh treatment of poor children.