Jane Eyre is the most popular novel written by Charlotte Brontë, the oldest sibling to her brother, Branwell, and two sisters, Emily and Anne. Emily Brontë is most known for Wuthering Heights, while Anne’s best work is The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. All three sisters published under male pseudonyms: Currer Bell, Ellis Bell, and Acton Bell. Charlotte’s heroine, Jane, is one of the most popular literary figures, right up with Josephine March from Little Women or Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice. Jane suffers far more trials as a child than Jo or Lizzie did, but her hardships refine her already fiery spirit into an unbreakable character of resolve. Jane’s convictions about virtue and independence will guide her in difficult decisions where, even though she suffers, she keeps hold of her beliefs in what is just and right. Lowood School: “this girl is—a liar!” Jane’s childhood is unhappy and lonely to say the least. Orphaned, she is raised by her aunt, who does not want her. Mrs. Reed and her children, Eliza, John, and Georgiana, are all abusive to Jane. Jane spends much of her time in the library reading, and when John calls her a “rat” and hits her, she fights back and is taken to the “red-room” to be punished. Mrs. Reed sends her away to Lowood School, where Mr. Brocklehurst isolates her further by telling the other girls that Jane is a liar and that they should refuse her any friendship. He makes Jane stand on a stool all day, but a girl named Helen Burns slips Jane some food. Along with Helen, who quickly Trials and Temptations: Freedom Through Conviction in Jane Eyre Bryana Fern
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