Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte, is a bildungsroman of Jane that develops through the five phases she encounters in her life. Bronte uses Gateshead Hall, Lowood Institute, Thornfield Hall, The Moor House and Ferndean Manor to slowly mature Jane throughout her life. While at Gateshead Hall, Jane experiences physical harassment from her selfish cousins and psychological cruelty from her jealous aunt, Mrs. Reed. She is constantly reminded of her dependent status and inconvenience she is in the home. Due to her mistreatment, she develops the idea that appearance is the most important trait one can have and blames her unattractive appearance for the lack of love she receives from the Reed family. Jane's experience with forced isolation will cause her to isolate herself and question one's kindness towards her later in life. .
Unfortunately, situations will only become worse when she is sent to Lowood Institute, a religious school for poor or orphaned girls. Through the harsh treatments and hypocritical religious ways of Mr. Brocklethurst, Jane will face additional physical discomforts of cold and hunger. However, Jane will find acceptance and emotional support from Helen Burns and Miss Temple. Helen will enlighten Jane on the importance of daily, selfless, religious practices and comforts her on the sufferings she will encounter on Earth for ultimate happiness there will be in Heaven. Although Jane will question the reality of Helen's beliefs, it opens Jane's mind to religion and guides her to form her own religious ways. Meanwhile, Jane's kind personality and thirst for knowledge is enhanced by Miss Temple. Although the two women greatly impact and shape Jane's ideas and goals in life and are never forgotten, they are physically short lived in her life. Jane advertises for a job to escape the isolation that returns to her life from their absences, which leads her to Thornfield Hall. .
She continues to compare herself physically to others and connect appearance to the love and kindness they receive.