Mrs. Reed in Jane Eyre

Mrs. Reed is a significant character in Charlotte Brontë‘s classic novel Jane Eyre. As the aunt by marriage and caretaker of the protagonist Jane, Mrs. Reed’s role at Gateshead, the estate where Jane’s early years unfold, is integral to the development of the story. Her interactions with Jane set a tone for the central themes of love, rejection, and the search for a sense of belonging that pervade the novel.

Characterized by her harsh and unloving treatment of Jane, Mrs. Reed represents the antithesis of the ideal maternal figure. Her favoritism towards her children and the emotional and physical neglect of her niece create a stark contrast with Jane’s authenticity and kindness. Through Mrs. Reed’s actions and the environment at Gateshead, Brontë explores the social dynamics of the time, the complexities of family relationships, and the resilience required to overcome adversity.

The portrayal of Mrs. Reed is multifaceted, revealing both the societal expectations imposed upon women in the Victorian era and the personal failings that can arise from those pressures. Through Mrs. Reed, the novel examines the impact of bitterness and a lack of compassion on both the individual and those within their sphere of influence. It is through the lens of this strained familial bond that Jane’s strength of character is initially tested and ultimately forged.

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1. Mrs. Reed Character Analysis

Mrs. Reed’s interactions with Jane Eyre at Gateshead Hall are central to the formative experiences of the protagonist. The dynamics between them are fraught with tension, illuminated by Mrs. Reed’s treatment of the child and her complex personality and motivations.

Treatment of Jane and the Children

Mrs. Reed’s treatment of Jane is markedly harsh and contrasts sharply with her indulgence towards her children, Eliza, Georgiana, and particularly John. Despite being Jane’s aunt by marriage, she does not display Christian compassion or familial warmth. Anger and resentment seem to characterize her disposition towards Jane, manifesting in severe punishments and neglect.

• Jane: Routinely subjected to authority-driven and unjust treatment.
• Eliza and Georgiana: Benefit from a degree of indulgence, although they too suffer from their mother’s emotional distance and lack of genuine affection.
• John: Expresses open jealousy and tyranny over Jane, encouraged by his mother’s partiality.

Personality and Motivations

Mrs. Reed embodies a complex personality driven by various motivations that impact her relationship with Jane. Her selfishness comes to the fore in her decision-making, often favoring her own children’s whims over Jane’s well-being.

• Authority: She exerts control over Jane, often using her position to silence and reprimand her.
• Resentment: Towards Jane is palpable, rooted in Mrs. Reed’s perception of Jane as an unwanted encumbrance and her insecurity stemming from her late husband’s fondness for Jane’s father.
• Sin and Jealousy: Intertwine as Mrs. Reed’s behavior may stem from guilt for her selfish actions or jealousy of Jane’s father, who was her husband’s favorite sibling.
• Appearance: Mrs. Reed maintains her status in society, which influences her actions and her insistence on authority within her household.

The juxtaposition of Mrs. Reed’s favoritism towards her children with the coldness she reserves for Jane reveals the depth of her character’s passion and prejudice. Mrs. Reed’s actions contribute to Jane’s early realization of social inequalities and her determination to seek a life of dignity and respect.

2. Key Events at Gateshead with Mrs. Reed

At Gateshead, Mrs. Reed’s actions set significant events into motion that profoundly affected Jane Eyre’s childhood.

Conflict in the Red Room

Mrs. Reed punishes Jane by confining her to the Red Room, a symbol of fear and suffering for Jane. This punishment comes after a violent altercation between Jane and her cousin, John Reed, in which Mrs. Reed takes John’s side, wrongly accusing Jane of initiating the conflict. Mrs. Reed’s authority is unquestionable in Gateshead, and her decision to lock Jane in the Red Room underlines her stringent enforcement of discipline.

Revelation of the Letter from Uncle Reed

The discovery of a letter from Jane’s deceased Uncle, John Reed (Mrs. Reed’s husband), reveals Mrs. Reed’s deception and breach of trust. In the letter, Uncle Reed entrusts Jane to the care of his wife, Mrs. Reed, asking her to raise Jane as her child. However, Mrs. Reed conceals the letter, thereby denying Jane the love and care that her uncle intended for her. The truth about the letter highlights Mrs. Reed’s manipulative nature and demonstrates her willingness to control Jane’s fate for selfish reasons.

3. Mrs. Reed’s Influence on Jane’s Development

Mrs. Reed’s treatment of Jane Eyre as an orphan profoundly affects Jane’s character and choices throughout her life. Her experiences under Mrs. Reed’s guardianship at Gateshead Hall laid the foundation for her development into a strong, independent adult.

Jane at Lowood School

Catalyst for Change: Mrs. Reed’s decision to send Jane to Lowood School, combined with Jane’s own assertion, is pivotal. Although Mrs. Reed’s intention is to rid herself of Jane, this move inadvertently provides Jane with the education and social structure she previously lacked. Here, Jane encounters the concepts of discipline, learning, and morality, which starkly contrast with the emotional and physical neglect she suffered at Gateshead. The lessons at Lowood are stringent, yet they offer Jane the knowledge and determination she needs to persevere and grow.

Exposure to Compassion: At Lowood, Jane meets Helen Burns and Miss Temple, individuals who exhibit the love and kindness she never received from Mrs. Reed. Despite the school’s harsh conditions, these figures represent the capacity for forgiveness and serve as moral beacons for Jane.

Transition from Childhood to Adulthood

Assertiveness and Independence: Mrs. Reed’s rejection, coupled with Jane’s determination, instills in Jane an urge to seek a life beyond what she’s known; she aspires for more than the role of a downtrodden orphan. Through suffering and enduring Mrs. Reed’s animosity, Jane evolves into a self-reliant individual, capable of taking bold steps, like her decision to leave Lowood and become a governess at Thornfield.

Complex Emotions and Relationships: Jane’s early interactions with the Reeds shape her understanding of complex dynamics and the tumultuous nature of relationships. The sense of alienation felt at Gateshead remains with Jane and affects her future interactions, including her complicated romance with Mr. Rochester at Thornfield and her subsequent quest for a love that is respectful and equal.

Growth Towards Forgiveness: Mrs. Reed’s influence extends to Jane’s capacity for forgiveness. As an adult, Jane confronts her past and Mrs. Reed on her deathbed, demonstrating maturity and internal strength. She forgives Mrs. Reed, not out of obligation, but out of a desire to free herself from the bonds of bitterness.

Mrs. Reed’s Role and Legacy

Mrs. Reed’s character functions as a pivotal influence on the protagonist’s early life. Her actions set the stage for Jane’s fortitude and integrity, marking a clear contrast between her lack of compassion and Jane’s burgeoning empathy. On her deathbed, Mrs. Reed reveals a complexity often overlooked. Her inability to reconcile with Jane highlights her rigid nature, yet it also unveils a sliver of regret, a humanizing trait.

Key Points on Mrs. Reed:

• Reconciliation: Mrs. Reed’s relationship with Jane remains strained, with no true reconciliation achieved.
• Compassion: Largely absent in her treatment of Jane, compassion is a stark contrast to the kindness Jane later shows.
• Remorse: Slight, shown during Mrs. Reed’s final days, suggesting an awareness of her failings. This moment is crucial for understanding her character, revealing that her harsh treatment of Jane was partly driven by her insecurities and regrets.
• Legacy: Mrs. Reed inadvertently shapes Jane into a resilient individual through adversity. Her lack of compassion and the injustices Jane faces at Gateshead contribute significantly to Jane’s strong sense of justice and her determination to be treated with respect and dignity.

Reflecting on Mrs. Reed’s legacy, she leaves behind a negative imprint on those in her care. Yet, her character is instrumental in developing Jane’s resilience. Although no genuine compassion is displayed towards Jane, the aftermath of Mrs. Reed’s actions imparts crucial life lessons on love, forgiveness, and strength. Mrs. Reed’s eventual display of remorse, albeit subtle and too late, adds depth to her portrayal, reminding readers that flaws and redemption are interconnected in the human experience. Jane’s ability to forgive Mrs. Reed and move forward is a testament to her maturity and moral strength.