Characterization - 1

". . . as for the vacations, she will, with your permission, spend them always at Lowood" (34).

"Because I disliked you too fixedly and thoroughly ever to lend a hand in lifting you to prosperity" (242).

To start off the novel, the reader meets Mrs. Reed. Mrs. Reed is Jane's aunt-by-marriage and is a selfish, cold-hearted person who spoils her three children, but despises Jane. The hatred of Mrs. Reed deepens even more after Jane stands up for herself from her aunt's cruelty and rejection. Mrs. Reed does play a big part in the novel by being Jane's childhood antagonist. Also later in the novel when shes dying, Jane uses the opportunity to show that she has learned a lesson about Christian forgiveness even though some of her last words were selfish and cruel.