Within the novel Jane Eyre, there are very strict social boundaries that can be detected. Social standing from the orphan Jane, to a rich upstanding Edward Rochester are displayed.
For the first half of the novel, a strict class system mind set comes into play. Jane is treated with disrespect by her Aunt Reed, and her cousins. Not wanting the burden of such a 'disgraceful' child, Jane is sent to Lowood boarding school. While there, Mr. Brocklehurst, the owner of the school emphasizes Jane's, as well as the other girls' social positions. They are fed next to nothing, clothed in rags, and are schooled in dreary, cold classrooms. The realization of such harsh class division is clearly shown when Jane and her dear friend Helen happen to catch a glimpse of Mr. Brocklehurst's daughters one day. The two girls are dripping in wealth in the form of magnificent silk dresses and beautiful jewellery. Brocklehurst is undoubtedly "well-off", yet he chooses to treat young girls in such a crude manner. He even goes to the lengths of demanding that hair from a naturally curly-haired girl be cut off, so they would remain uniform.
This unfortunate way of thinking only swept Jane up in it's turmoil for so long, until she finally broke free. However, her case is a rare one, especially in the times that Bronte wrote this novel. "Worth by Association" was the motto, and many were doomed to their destiny at a very young age.
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