James Abasiofon

Literature 002

Question; Write extensively on the three characters we have met so far in Jane Eyre.

Jane Eyre is populated with rich, complex characters that contribute significantly to its
themes and plot. Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre, a timeless classic published in 1847,
introduces readers to a complex cast of characters from the outset. The initial characters,
specifically Jane Eyre, Mrs. Reed, and John Reed, lay the groundwork for the narrative's
exploration of themes such as social class, identity, and morality.

The novel's eponymous heroine, Jane Eyre, is introduced as a vulnerable and isolated
ten-year-old orphan. Brontë skilfully crafts Jane's character, conveying her emotional depth
and resilience through her thoughts and interactions. Jane's introspection and self-awareness
establish her as a relatable and endearing protagonist. Mrs. Reed, Jane's aunt by marriage,
serves as a foil to Jane's vulnerability. Her cold, calculating demeanour and overt cruelty
towards Jane illustrate the oppressive nature of Victorian social norms. Mrs. Reed's character
embodies the societal expectations placed on women, highlighting the restrictive roles
assigned to them. John Reed, Jane's cousin, exemplifies the dangers of unchecked privilege
and entitlement. His spoiled and indulged nature, fostered by his mother's overindulgence,
sets the stage for his cruel treatment of Jane. John's characterization serves as a commentary
on the social class divisions that pervade the novel. Although other characters assist to
develop various themes in the play, characters like Georgiana , Eliza, Bessie the maid -these
three played pivotal roles and were used efficiently by Charlotte Bronte.

Jane Eyre is introduced as a ten year old orphan, she was brought in by Mr. Reed when
she lost her father and mother. Mrs. Reed never grew to love Jane as her own so when Mr.
Reed passed on later on, she found it even harder to show Jane the motherly and homely love
Jane needed and wanted at the time. Jane grew up practically alone because she was
constantly neglected and reminded of her status in the abode of the Reeds, Gateshead Hall,
Yorkshire. The only humanly attention she was given was by her spoiled and unruly cousin
John Reeds, who bullies her, abuses her and doesn't miss a single opportunity to taunt her or
reduce her esteem. He condemns her and sees her as unworthy to live amongst people of his
calibre. He believes the Reeds are doing Jane too much a favour by keeping and grooming
her among them. She is described as being "not pretty," and her social position as an orphan
puts her at the bottom of the household hierarchy. Despite this, Jane demonstrates an inner
strength and a desire for justice. Early in the book, her resistance to the cruelty of her aunt
and cousins is notable, and she does not meekly accept the status quo. Throughout the story,
Jane's sense of self-worth and moral compass remain central to her character. From her early
experiences, she develops a deep sense of personal integrity and a desire to be treated with
dignity and respect, which is a key driving force throughout her life. For example, when she
is wronged, whether by her aunt or by the red-faced Mr. Brocklehurst at Lowood School, she
is often brave enough to stand up for herself or remain resolute in her convictions. Jane is
also shown to be thoughtful and introspective. When reading, her thoughts are often
profound, and she imagines a world beyond the narrow confines of her social position. She
dreams of a future where she is free to act according to her own desires and conscience.
Reading is where she finds happiness. It is her means of escape from her sad and dreadful
reality and her only fun thing to do in the Reeds house.

Mrs. Reed is the first adult figure to play a significant role in Jane’s early life. She is a
wealthy woman of high social standing, yet she is emotionally cold and harsh toward her
orphaned niece. Mrs. Reed acts as the guardian of Jane, but her treatment of Jane is cruel,
setting the stage for Jane’s feelings of alienation and lack of belonging. Mrs. Reed, Jane's
aunt by marriage, serves as a foil to Jane's vulnerability. Her cold, calculating demeanor and
overt cruelty towards Jane illustrate the oppressive nature of Victorian social norms. Mrs.
Reed's character embodies the societal expectations placed on women, highlighting the
restrictive roles assigned to them. She is portrayed as a woman who is emotionally distant
and punitive toward Jane. She continually marginalizes Jane, treating her as inferior to her
own children, and is dismissive of Jane’s emotional needs. In fact, Mrs. Reed seems to take
pleasure in Jane's suffering, which is evident in her decision to lock Jane in the "red-room" as
punishment for defending herself when provoked by her cousin John. This reflects her desire
to keep Jane in a subordinate, humiliated position. Mrs. Reed's cruelty is evident from the
outset. She treats Jane with contempt, neglect, and physical abuse, illustrating her lack of
empathy and warmth. This behavior is particularly notable in their initial interactions, where
Mrs. Reed belittles Jane's existence, stating, "You are less than a servant, for you do nothing
for your keep" (Chapter 1). This quote underscores Mrs. Reed's view of Jane as a burden,
rather than a vulnerable child deserving care. Moreover, Mrs. Reed's social snobbery is
apparent in her obsessive concern with maintaining her family's social status and wealth. Her
fixation on social standing leads her to prioritize appearances over genuine relationships,
exemplified by her cold demeanour towards Jane. This emotional coldness is a hallmark of
Mrs. Reed's character, demonstrating her inability to connect with others on an emotional
level. Her manipulation of those around her is another significant aspect of her
characterization. She employs guilt and shame to control Jane, exemplifying her exploitative
nature. This manipulation extends to her treatment of her own children, whom she
indoctrinates with her social values, perpetuating the cycle of cruelty. Brontë uses Mrs.
Reed's character to highlight the cruel treatment of children in Victorian England. Mrs.
Reed's actions serve as a foil to Jane's development as a strong, independent woman,
underscoring the resilience required to overcome such adversity. Mrs. Reed also exemplifies
the hypocrisy of the upper classes. She claims to be a devout Christian, but her actions toward
Jane are far from compassionate or merciful. Her treatment of Jane reveals her own
selfishness and a lack of empathy toward those less fortunate than herself, even her own
family.

 John Reed, the eldest son of Mrs. Reed, is another early antagonist in the novel.
He plays an essential role in demonstrating the familial tensions that run throughout
Jane’s early life. He is four years older than Jane Eyre. He serves as a poignant
representation of the dangers of unchecked privilege and social class divisions.
Through his characterization, Brontë critiques the oppressive social norms of
Victorian England, highlighting the harm caused by toxic masculinity and entitlement.
John Reed's upbringing at Gateshead Hall, under the care of his mother, Mrs. Reed,
significantly shapes his personality. Spoiled and indulged, John develops an inflated
sense of self-importance, viewing himself as superior to others. This entitled mindset
is exacerbated by his social status, reinforcing his belief in his inherent superiority.
John Reed's interactions with Jane demonstrate the cruel and bullying nature of his
character. Physically and emotionally abusive, John seeks to assert his dominance
over Jane, emphasizing her vulnerability and subordinate position. This dynamic
underscores the power imbalance inherent in their relationship, with John wielding his
privilege to oppress and intimidate. Brontë employs John Reed's character to
symbolize the oppressive social norms of Victorian England. His actions represent the
ways in which those in positions of power exploit and marginalize others.
Furthermore, John's characterization serves as a commentary on toxic masculinity,
highlighting the harm caused by unchecked aggression and entitlement. In contrast to
Jane's resilience and determination, John Reed's character embodies the destructive
 nature of privilege and entitlement. His actions reinforce the social class divisions that
pervade the novel, underscoring the limited options available to women and the
marginalized. Jane’s relationship with John is tense, as he frequently taunts her and
plays on her social inferiority. However, Jane is also independent and self-possessed
enough to stand up to him, unlike other members of the household who tolerate his
behaviour. She often mentally chastises herself for being too submissive, and this
helps to build her inner strength. The opening chapters of Jane Eyre introduce readers
to characters that embody key themes of the novel, including social class, injustice,
and the struggle for personal autonomy. Jane’s mistreatment by her aunt and cousins
shapes her early life and gives her the strength to stand up for herself later in the story.
Characters like Mrs. Reed, John Reed, and Mr. Brocklehurst serve as obstacles to
Jane’s sense of self-worth, while figures like Bessie provide brief moments of warmth
and compassion. These early interactions lay the groundwork for Jane’s development
as a strong, independent woman who strives for emotional and social equality
throughout her life.