Jane Eyre "I would not now have exchanged Lowood with all its privations for Gateshead and all its daily luxuries".

Jane Eyre

"I would not now have exchanged Lowood with all its privations for Gateshead and all its daily luxuries".

The pre 19th century novel, 'Jane Eyre' is written in the first person, and tells the story of an orphan. The book is based partly, on numerous experiences throughout Bronte's real life. One specific similarity between the novel and Bronte's own life, is that in the novel, Jane Eyre's best friend "Helen Burns" dies from consumption, which mirrors the experience of her sisters, Maria and Elizabeth, who died from another common disease of that era, tuberculosis. While writing this essay, I will draw comparisons between Jane Eyre's experiences at Gateshead and Lowood, using quotes from the novel, to help illustrate the points being made.

After the death of Jane's parents, her Uncle brought Jane to live with him and his family. On her Uncle's deathbed, Mrs Reed promised to treat Jane like one of her own children.

English: Mrs. Reed torments young Jane Eyre in Suf...

English: "How dare I, Mrs Reed? How dare I? Becaus...

English: Post office at Lowood, Queensland

Jane's Aunt Mrs Reed, does not like Jane and makes it obvious that she never will. Although Jane now lives with the Reed family, who are financially well off, she is still treated like a poor, working class orphan.

During Jane's time at Gateshead, although her surroundings were luxurious and her meals, health and clothing were adequate, she was treated cruelly by all her cousins, and was hurt physically, and mentally by Master Reed. Her Aunt treated her as a social outcast, and disowned her as part of her family. She gave her as little as possible. In contrast, at Lowood even though her psychological treatment was better, her physical environment was much worse than at Gateshead.

Jane is then sent to Lowood, even though it is a charity school, it provides Jane with a means to...