How was Jane treated in the Reed Family
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, to various questions of Jane Eyre.
Answer
How was Jane Treated in the Reed family?
Jane Eyre, the protagonist from Charlotte Brontë’s novel “Jane Eyre,” was mistreated by the Reed family. Jane was an orphan. Her Uncle Reed took her in. After Uncle’s death, her cruel aunt, Mrs. Sarah Reed, treated her with cruelty and unkindness.
Outsider: The Reed family treated Jane as an outsider. She was often bullied and physically abused by her cousin John, who was her primary tormentor. Jane’s cousin John says,
You have no business to take our books; you are a dependent, mama says; you have no money; your father left you none; you ought to beg, and not to live here with gentlemen’s children like us, and eat the same meals we do, and wear clothes at our mama’s expense.
(John Reed, Chapter 1)
They treated Jane as inferior because of her social and economic status. She was constantly reminded of her lower social standing and was denied the same privileges and opportunities as her cousins.
Blame: Jane was frequently blamed for things she did not do and was accused of being a liar. Her aunt was cold and indifferent to her and allowed the mistreatment to continue.
Red Room: Jane’s aunt locked her in the terrifying Red Room as a punishment as she stood up to her bullying cousin, John.
The Reed family’s treatment of Jane was emotionally and psychologically damaging. It contributed to her strong sense of independence and resilience.