Discuss the treatment meted out to Jane by the Reed Family in Jane Eyre.

Discuss the treatment meted out to Jane by

the Reed Family in Jane Eyre.

Answer: Jane Eyre spends her early childhood with her Aunt Reed, so as readers, we get to know Jane and the Reed household simultaneously. In the early chapters dealing with the Reeds, author Charlotte Bronte introduces several themes of Jane Eyre, including moral hypocrisy, class prejudice, and the importance of the supernatural.

Since Jane Eyre is written as though it were an autobiography (though it is really a work of fiction), the reader sees the Reeds through Jane's eyes, first as she looks back on her childhood, then later on her experiences as an adult. Jane's character and behavior are contrasted with those of the Reeds, and her process of maturation is shown through her changing relationships with them.

As a poor relation, Jane is 'less than a servant' in the Reed household. She has nothing in common with the Reeds, either in temperament or in interests. Even as a child, she describes herself as experiencing 'indignation at their treatment' and having 'contempt of their judgment.' Despite the Reeds' abusive treatment, Jane develops a strong sense of self, and is determined to pursue independence.

Jane's three cousins, John, Eliza, and Georgiana, all treat Jane cruelly, taking advantage of their mother's dislike of her. John Reed is Jane's chief tormentor; he hits her and calls her a 'bad animal.' His younger sisters are also bad-tempered; Eliza is described as 'headstrong and selfish,' while Georgiana is spiteful and spoiled, but indulged for being pretty.

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