Societys Placement For Children Essay
When you hear a cry, sigh or even a tantrum from a young child your first reaction is not to isolate nor punish them, especially when they are not at fault, though in Jane Eyre that was a different story all together. In Jane Eyre it showed multiple angles on how society at Gateshead and Lowood had a specific placement for children in which was accepted.
In the begging of Jane Eyre it is clearly shown that the childs appearance is an important part of a childs upbringing to receive higher social hierarchy. The more beautiful you are people tend to go out of their way to acknowledge you and except you in society, Jane Eyre saw this and made also the conclusion that the more beautiful you are the more things you could get away with in life. She made this connection when she got to know the beautiful Georgiana it was stated that; Her beauty, her pink cheeks and golden curls, seemed to give delight to all who looked at her, and to purchase indemnity for every fault. (15) Charlotte Bronte is captivating you to reread this quote because its almost as if you can feel Janes somewhat sense of longing/loathing to have the characteristics Georgiana has. You then understand more and more that having the characteristics of beauty you are more likely to be accepted in society and to have the easier way through life because Georgiana was perceived as the perfect fairy tale princess, while Jane is shown as the opposite/outcast.
Jane is different from the rest of her family, yes she is an orphan though there is something more, she barely ever fell into the right place society wanted for her. Since Jane didnt have the right looks and was isolated from everyone at Gateshead (if she were a nice, pretty child, one might compassionate her forlornness; but one really cannot care for such a little toad as that) (26) she had to be taught to always be humble and agreeable with people to make up for the fact that she wasnt quite like Georgiana look wise, it is your place to be humble, and to try to make yourself agreeable to them.(13).Jane was told over and over what to do, how to act and overall that she wasnt good enough for their beautiful perfect society family.
It was clearly obvious that Jane was not accepted or welcomed into the Reid family. It was pointed out to her multiple times that she wasnt fitting in with their society in which her role is acknowledging her place in the house hold. A child like Jane had to understand where she stands though, she had to figured it out the hard way that she was not good enough and was beneath everyone in the household, even the servants werent at equal social positions in which this was stated; You are less than a servant, for you do nothing for your keep. (12). In this situation Jane is being told that she is not behaving as how a proper child should behave, that she is less of a person and should except that and want to change for the better. And so Jane sat quietly in her place and just listen just like a proper child because thats what was expected of her.
Being obedient is a key role as a child because it resembles and shows respect, Jane found it hard to respect someone who was crewel to her, though it was expected in society. Mrs. Reed demanded respect and was determined to get it no matter what, Mrs. Reed took control and tried to scare Jane into being obedient by sending her to the red room, It is only on condition of perfect submission and stillness that I shall liberate you.This violence is all most repulsive(18)Mrs. Reed makes it very clear just what she expects of Jane: to obey her unquestioningly, act perfectly submissive just like how a child should act and to be respectful to those who have higher power over you.
Not only did Mrs. Reed attempt to scare Jane into being a perfect respectful child, the servants did as well, though in a different way. When Jane got forced to go to the red room after she was done fighting, the servant said god will punish her: he might strike her dead in the midst of her tantrums, and then where would she go Say your prayers, Miss Eyre, when you are by yourself; for if you dont repent, something bad might be permitted to come down the chimney and fetch you away. (13) Society is clearly trying every possible option to put Jane (a child) in her place, even by using threats of gods wrath to scare her. All around Jane is people who expect more than what is perceived, not only does Ms.Reid demands respect though society earns for it as well.
Society clearly doesnt comprehend how a child should act, though Jane is a child and as a child she is pushed to grow up faster and act more like a young adult rather than her actual age. During the time at Lowood School for charity children Jane had to face different obstacles that a woman has to face, though it was noticed that there wasnt as much of a transition difference from being a child to becoming a woman in this society day of age.
During the time period at Lowood School Jane again had to find her place in this part of society, in which she learns that everyone at this school strives to be the same, They were informally dressed in brown stuff frocks of quaint fashion, and long Holland pinafores. (44) this makes you feel the same as everyone else just as if all of the children were robots. Janes feeling as if shes at the bottom of the food chain, just like at Gateshead. She learns and acknowledges that she is less worthy because she is a charity child just like all the other orphans/ abandon children and they are taught not to stand out because they are not wealthy and should resume that role so they can blend in and not be pointed out in society.
Society has forced children and women to not be a part of economic exchange because they are taught that people will buy only servitude from you because just like children, women are not as of equal. For example Jane has always been told what to do, where to go, how to act and obediently she did all these things in the begging as a child (and how a woman should), but she finally had enough gets mad and angrily states; you are like a slave-driver- (11) And so society placement for children and women is never to get mad, always keep composed and be perceived as a perfect human being rather than a evil, ugly liar.
When Jane gets pointed out for being a liar she is facing hardships and is feeing like its the end of the world clearly as she cries I wished to die. While sobbing (68). Jane is upset over this because as a child she is taught that you have to behave a certain way for people to like you. Although women also act this way and are also obedient to higher power , for example when Mr. Brocklehurst is giving orders to Miss Temple she responds Its Julia Severn, replied Miss Temple, very quietly(63) Miss Temple, that girls hair must be cut off entirely (64) and even though she didnt agree for the girls hair to be cut off she obeyed because of his higher power. Also when Miss Temple responded in a smaller, weaker, quieter voice it showed and resembled the exact same behaviour as how a child would react and respond to a person above them in this situation-automatic obedience.
Being perceived as obedient and beautiful to people with higher power generally equals overall attractiveness, a child learns that these are key features for people to like them. In Jane Eyre it is clear that women act the same way as a child does, they both act obediently and try to be as beautiful as they can. Jane is taught this for years from observing and listening to how people talked about Georgiana and it is shown at Lowood School when Mr.Brocklehurst wife and daughters enter the room; They were splendidly attired in velvet, silk and furs... (fine girls) (64) it is clear that the daughters and wife made it seem that they were the whole package since everyone at the school turned to stare. This shows that children at a young age are exposed to the understanding that being presentable/beautiful and to be obedient that will therefore result in you receiving the perfect life style that everyone else will envy.
And so in Jane Eyre it is perceived that every child has a place in society, no matter what kind of person you are society will try and mold you into a perfect child figure that it expects you to be. It is proven that society at Gateshead and Lowood has a specific placement for children in which is accepted, even though young Jane is breaking out of societies hold on her not many people can handle the weight of expectations of society especially as young children. Therefore this led young children to learn/obey society, grow up, teach your children the same thing and repeat the on going cycle through generations. In overall conclusion it has been proven where children (and women) stand in this society and how they have been affected by societies hold in the placement chosen for them.
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