THEME/HISTORICAL RELEVANCE

WOMEN'S ROLES IN THE VICTORIAN ERA/SOCIAL CLASS
Jane's outspoken nature often gets her in trouble, and is not typical of a Victorian era female. In a world that is against her, Jane is her biggest advocate. The treatment she endures at the hands of her foster family would lead to lawsuits and arrests by today's standards, but as an orphan, her rights are very few. Due to her parents lack of money, they had a lower social status, which is a reason why the Reeds treat her poorly.
“You have no business to take our books; you are a dependent, mama says; you have no money; your father left you none; you ought to beg, and not to live here with gentlemen’s children like us, and eat the same meals we do, and wear clothes at our mama’s expense," (21).
Jane's ability to defend herself helps move the plot forward, as she tells Mr. Lloyd she would like to attend school. If Jane were meek and obedient, she would have lied to Mr. Lloyd and be stuck in Gateshead, possibly forever.