Chapter One

Key Quotes:
"exclude me from priviledges intended only for contented, happy, little children" p3
"ceaseless rain sweeping away wildly" p3
"broken boat stranded on a desolate coat" p4
"with Bewick on my knee, I was happy: happy at least in my way" p5
"you are a dependant...you ought to beg" p6
"such a picture of passion" p7

In Chapter One of Jane Eyre, Jane introduces the characters of Gateshead. Namely, John Reed and his mother, who believe that Jane does not hold the same rights as they do and her social class is made explicit. Jane is constantly told of her position, though as long as she has her imagination, she is happy.

She reads Bewick's 'History of British Birds' as an act of escapism, allowing her mind to wonder and fantasise about distant lands. We can deduce that Jane is intelligent, due to her descriptions of John, comparing him to the likes of a 'Roman Emperor' and we know that she is emotional, unable to control her anger and feeling of unjustice when she lashes out at John Reed.

Mrs Reed is the villian of Jane's childhood, inflicting torturous experiences on Jane.