Chapter I Summary

The novel opens as Eliza, John and Georgiana are with their mother Mrs. Reed in the drawing room. Jane is not allowed to join the group as Bessie has lied, saying Jane is not a happy child and should not be allowed to associate with the other children. Jane spends her time reading a book and daydreaming while hiding. John disturbs Jane's peace and she is afraid of John, so she comes out from behind the curtains. John abuses Jane both physically and emotionally. John throws the book at her, and she falls and cuts her head. Jane calls John a wicked boy. Mrs. Reed punishes Jane by having Bessie and Miss Abbot carry Jane to the red room.

Chapter I Analysis

In this first chapter, the strained relationship between Jane and the Reeds is introduced. Jane is an orphan who...