Charlotte Bronte 2

Show how effectively Charlotte Bronte presents the character and conflict of Jane Eyre in Chapter 1

The development of Jane Eyre’s character is central to this Bildungsroman style novel and we meet Jane for the first time as a ten year old orphan living with relatives. From the beginning, Jane possesses a sense of her self-worth and dignity, a commitment to justice and principle, also a trust in God and a passionate way of looking at life. Her integrity is continually tested over the course of the novel, and Jane must learn to balance the frequently conflicting aspects of her life so as to find contentment. She is an orphan and has no means of support so she is forced into living with the Reed family but at the same time she resents the difference in social status which the Reed family make clear to her.

After the walk, Jane is banished from sitting with the Reed family because, according to Mrs. Reed Jane had not been “sociable” and was not showing a “child-like disposition”. Jane5 defends herself instinctively “What does Bessie say I have done?” showing that she’s independently minded and courageous. It also shows how Jane is intelligent for a small child. She goes to the breakfast-room on her own accord and reads a book which makes her contented and happy. She tells us “having drawn the red moreen curtain nearly close, I was shrined in double retirement.” This might also show that she likes her own space and to be alone. The word shrined and double retirement suggests that she has found enlightenment in her special place possibly referring to a book about Monasteries and Nunneries she may have read. Ironically her peace and quiet, the only time where she can be alone, is interrupted by John Reed showing the constant conflicts going on in Jane’s life. “And I came out immediately, for I trembled at the idea of being dragged forth by the said Jack.” Although Jane is clearly physically inferior to John Reed, she feels far more intellectually superior to him...