Chapter 1

Summary

The story opens with young Jane, 10 years old, and sadly neglected by her aunt and cousins, who have adopted her after her parents’ death. Mrs. Reed seems to go out of her way to make Jane feel unwanted and inferior. Because of her aunt’s neglect, Jane is looked after primarily by a servant named Bessie, who scolds her a lot. One evening, Jane is sent away from the family gathering due to her supposed naughtiness. Left to amuse herself, Jane hides behind a curtain in the corner and reads Bewick’s History of British Birds with great interest and contentment. Then, her 14-year-old cousin John Reed comes along, to torment Jane just for kicks. He proceeds to terrify her and then actually hits the little girl. Instead of meekly accepting the blows, which seems to be what John expects, Jane calls him cruel, comparing him to the Roman emperors. John reacts in rage, rushing at Jane, who fights him fiercely until he calls his mom for help like the spoiled brat he is. The servants, Bessie and Miss Abbot, blame Jane for the fight and Mrs. Reed orders them to lock up Jane in the “red-room” (Brontë 6). The women drag a hysterical Jane away.

Reaction

This is a short chapter, but it certainly packs some punch. Based on the novel so far, Jane could file for child abuse in modern times and win the case. However, since she unfortunately lives in the Victorian era, she is forced to endure incessant bullying from the detestable John Reed and hatred from Mrs. Reed. It is shocking that an adult would treat a child as harshly Mrs. Reed does, and she reminds me of Cinderella’s wicked stepmother. In fact, little orphan Jane’s whole situation sounds very Cinderella-like. However, Jane’s personality saves the story from banality. Jane does not act sweet, self-sacrificing, and forgiving, like Cinderella. Instead, she flies at John Reed like a tiny tiger when he abuses her, and calls her tormentor names. This seed of spirit, considering we are talking about the Victorian era here, makes her an offbeat heroine, and an interesting character. I like little Jane’s feistiness.