The novel, Jane Eyre, written by Charlotte Bronte, is the story of a young orphan by the name of Jane Eyre. Jane, the protagonist and narrator of the story is an orphan since early childhood. Jane feels exiled at the beginning of the novel due to the cruel treatment she receives from her Aunt Reed and cousins. This creates her feeling of alienation. The constant malicious treatment she receives from her so called family causes her to become an angry, rebellious ten-year-old orphan who lacks the love and care needed for a young child. Such unfairness is exemplified early on with the incident between her and her cousin John, when Mrs. Reed tells Mr. Brocklehurst that Jane is a liar, and also when Jane revisits Mrs. Reed on her deathbed. .
The malicious treatment towards Jane is demonstrated in the very beginning of the story. Jane is forbidden by her Aunt to play with her cousins Eliza, Georgina, and John. John constantly harasses Jane for being an orphan and not being a true member of the Reed family. He continuously attempts to push Jane of the edge. After shoving her and throwing a book at her, Jane finally retaliates and the two begin fighting. Mrs. Reed holds Jane totally responsible for the scuffle without hearing her side of the story and allows John away scotch free. Mrs. Reed sends her to the "red room" which is the terrifying room in which her Uncle Reed died in. .
Jane always feels out of place in the Reed household due to the constant neglection she receives from her family. Jane's is told about a boarding school that might be appropriate for her. After hearing this Jane becomes excited about the chance to leave Gateshead. While waiting for the arrangements to be made, Jane receives even crueler treatment from Mrs. Reed and her cousins. Some of these treatments include no playtime in the nursery, having to eat her meals alone, and being neglected by her cousins.