Lowood Institution

With the changing of scenery in the novel, my first thoughts are that Jane will finally find happiness in her life without having to live in fear of her “family”. But, when Lowood comes into the picture, my hopes for Jane were smashed instantly. The clothing is boring, the people and faces are drab, the personalities are beaten out of people, and the most fun provided to the students is sewing hour. Fantastic, more abuse provided for children of the 19th century. It makes me really grateful for our current school system established, and the amount of freedom for expression allowed in the 21st century. Another strong female character is introduced in these chapters: Helen Burns. She provides a stout heart and subtle friend/role model for Jane in her first weeks at Lowood. Something about Helen’s character portrays a martyr-esq. feeling, like she is taking the sufferings of everyone and channeling them up to God. It is very interesting when these two little girls start to discuss religion, relations, and just plain opinions. Both are very resolute for being so young, which seems both tragic and thrilling for character development.

A brief summary on Brocklehurst: he is an arrogant pompous ass, who not only is hypocritical but also clearly blind to the horrible attire provided for his family, and the distinctly ironic situation of poverty he forces upon the students of his school. What is the man thinking? This character is yet another blow to men in this novel.