How Does Charlotte Bronte Use Class Conflict In Jane Eyre

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Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre is about the life of a ten-year-old girl and her road to womanhood, where the symbolism of gender difference, class conflict and isolation are demonstrated through the character Jane Eyre. In the beginning Charlotte Bronte presents Jane Eyre as an orphan girl who feels rather alienated from the rest of the Reed family. But, not only does she presents Jane Eyre as an outcast to the Reed household, Charlotte Bronte also uses the character of Jane to represent gender difference and class conflict. John Reed, the Master of the Reed household and only son of Mr and Mrs Reed tells Jane: “You are a dependant, mamma says; you have no money; your father left you none; you ought to beg, and not to live here with gentleman's children like us.” This is implying to the readers that Jane’s family was from a lower class, as John claims the rights of the gentleman. However, Jane’s class difference translates into physical inferiority towards the Reed children as well. This is demonstrated in Chapter…show more content…
This is proven in Chapter Three when she says it herself, “I’m very unhappy,” and it is clear to the readers as to why Jane feels very unhappy, as Charlotte Bronte skillfully developed how the Reed family and even the servants view Jane in the household. Mrs Reed, who is supposed to take care of Jane, does not even give any ounce of care for Jane’s welfare; she lacks in compassion towards Jane and puts a barrier to her family and Jane. Instead of disciplining his son for hitting Jane, Mrs Reed turns a ‘blind eye’ on John’s actions, which leads to John’s constant bullying and physically harming Jane. The servant Abbot also sees Jane as “less than a servant,” as Jane does nothing for the Reed family, she does not serve them, but she is also not one of
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