Orphans in Jane Eyre Essay - 1505 Words

Orphans in Jane Eyre Jane, one of the orphans in the novel Jane Eyre, is portrayed as the victim of charity. She is also seen in others eyes as something less or lower than themselves. Orphans are seen by wealthy people as children who are in need of their charity, and also who lack in morals, ambition, and culture. Jane tells about how she has no family; her mother and her father had the typhus fever, and both died within a month of each other (58; ch. 3). As if this is not bad enough, she is also excluded from being a part of the Reed family: Me, [Mrs. Reed] had dispensed from joining the group, saying, she regretted to be under the necessity of keeping me at a distance; but that until she heard from Bessie, and could†¦show more content†¦1). Also, when she is being carried up to the red room, the ladys maid makes a remark about John being her master and Jane asks if she is a servant and the maid replies, No; you are less than a servant (44; ch. 2). Mrs. Reed even tells John that Jane is not w orthy of notice. I do not choose that either you or your sisters should associate with her (59; ch. 4). There are also references to Jane an animal, John calls her a bad animal (41; ch. 1) and a rat (42; ch. 1). Abbot, the ladys maid also looks at Jane as an animal, if she were a nice, pretty child, one might compassionate her forlornness; but one really cannot care for such a little toad as that (58; ch. 3). In chapter three, Bessie sings a ballad that describes the orphans life as well. The ballad speaks of orphans loneliness and sad life. At the end of the ballad, Bessie tells Jane, Come, Miss Jane, dont cry, and Jane is wondering how could she divine the morbid suffering to which I was prey? (54; ch. 3) The last stanza of the ballad shows almost the exact description of Helen Burnss conviction that death will bring the utmost happiness and comforts: There is a thought that for strength should avail me; Though both of shelter and kindred despoiled; Heaven is a home, and a rest will not fail me; God isShow MoreRelatedThe Upbringing Of Orphans By Charles Dickens And Jane Eyre1714 Words   |  7 Pages The upbringing of Orphans in a time of social injustice. The 19th century Victorian era contrasted of different social classes; the wealthy, the working and the poor classes, which led to the forms of social order in society. It also encompassed some of the most famous literary works that till today impact the lives of many, and leads readers to wonder about the injustices of the conditions of the orphans. 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