Wuthering Heights & Jane Eyre
by Charlotte Brontë & Emily Brontë
Contents
Jane Eyre — CHAPTER IV
Overview
Jane endures renewed isolation at Gateshead until Mr. Brocklehurst arrives. Prompted by Mrs. Reed’s accusation of deceit, he agrees to send Jane to austere Lowood. After he leaves, Jane openly confronts Mrs. Reed, claiming her cruelty, then suffers remorse. Bessie briefly restores warmth and confirms Jane’s imminent departure.
Summary
Weeks pass with Jane recovered but further isolated by Mrs. Reed, who separates her from her cousins and assigns menial tasks. Jane resists John Reed’s bullying and senses her aunt’s deepening aversion. The household keeps Jane excluded from holiday festivities, leaving her lonely comfort with a doll and Bessie’s inconsistent care.
On a January morning, a severe, black-clad visitor arrives: Mr. Brocklehurst of Lowood. In the breakfast-room, he questions Jane about piety and Scripture, chastising her candor and declaring her heart wicked. Mrs. Reed seizes the moment to brand Jane as deceitful and asks that Lowood keep her humble and watch her; Mr. Brocklehurst agrees and departs, leaving Jane a moral tract.
Left alone with Mrs. Reed, Jane’s resentment erupts. She denies deceit, declares she dislikes Mrs. Reed, recounts the red-room punishment and John’s abuse, and vows to expose Mrs. Reed’s cruelty. Startled, Mrs. Reed briefly softens, but Jane insists on leaving for school soon. Mrs. Reed withdraws, tacitly confirming the plan.
In the aftermath, Jane’s triumph fades to remorse and bleakness. Seeking distraction, she fails to read or find solace outdoors. Bessie finds her, and Jane responds with unusual openness; Bessie, moved, is kinder, promises tea and a small cake, and reveals Jane will leave Gateshead in a day or two, letting Jane choose toys to pack. The day ends in rare peace with Bessie’s songs and stories.
Who Appears
- Jane EyreProtagonist; isolated, interrogated by Brocklehurst, denounced as deceitful, defiantly confronts Mrs. Reed, later regrets, comforted by Bessie.
- Mrs. ReedJane’s aunt; enforces separation, accuses Jane of deceit to Brocklehurst, arranges Lowood, rattled by Jane’s defiance.
- Mr. BrocklehurstHead of Lowood; sternly questions Jane’s piety, accepts her as pupil, vows strict oversight, gives moral tract.
- Bessie LeeNursery-maid; alternates scolding and kindness, comforts Jane, promises treats, confirms imminent departure and helps prepare.
- John ReedBullying cousin; attempts to punish Jane, then retreats, later mentioned as going out with family.
- Eliza ReedCousin; preoccupied with thrift and poultry profits, avoids Jane per orders.
- Georgiana ReedCousin; vain and decorative, claims Jane’s toys, implicated by Jane as the true liar.