The Distribution of Power at Gateshead in Jane Eyre
At Gateshead, the Reed family holds power over Jane Eyre. The Reed’s power comes in several forms, including limiting Jane’s social contact as well as bullying her. The Reeds also psychologically abuse Jane by attacking her value. Mrs. Reed does not allow Jane to interact with her cousins saying that not until, “by her own observation that I was endeavoring in good earnest to acquire a more sociable and child-like disposition, …she really must exclude me from privileges intended only for contented, happy, little children.” (p.7) This line not only shows the limit of Jane’s social contact, but also her exclusion from the family as well as a psychological attack against her. Jane’s cousin John is the member of the Reed family that physically holds power over her. “He bullied and punished me: not two or three times in the week, nor once or twice in the day, but continually: every nerve I had feared him …” (p.10) Up until Jane’s fight with John, she was expected to remain silent until she could “speak pleasantly,” she also took all of her abuse without reply. Throughout John’s bullying, Jane’s, “care was how to endure the blow which would certainly follow the insult.” (p.10) She realizes that reacting will do her no good and that is s
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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 861
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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