Jane Eyre

Considering Jane's experience with the Reed's and at Lowood, what are three generalizations about the treatment of orphans in the 19th century?

Should be self explanatory. . .

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Jane's experiences as an orphan were pretty typical of orphaned children in the 19th century. It is estimated that by the 1900's 1% of all children were orphans because they lost both their parents. You can chalk that up to unsanitary conditions and massive poverty. Like Jane and the Reeds, if a child was considered below class they were treated badly. So, there were many orphans bounced from family to family member culminating in residence at a dreary boarding school like Lowood. Much like in the novel a school might be purchased or run by more sympathetic benefactors (the men who take Brocklehurst's place). Orphanages in the Victorian era were underfunded and undervalued. Lowood was no exception but Jane, like many kids, did get an education. This allowed Jane to pursue options rather than stay at home and produce babies. Jane, for example, actually stayed to teach for two years at Lowood. I found a site that is really helpful for this question. I shall include it in the source link below. I hope it helps!

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http://www.clas.ufl.edu/users/agunn/teaching/enl3251_spring2005/omf/GREIG.htm