In the novel “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte, the main character, Jane Eyre, is having her life affected every time she moves to live somewhere else. Throughout the novel, Jane lives in four very different places. She starts out in a depressing place and eventually reaches places that are generally more content.

In the beginning, Jane starts out in Gateshead Hall; home of her benefactor, Aunt Reed. Jane’s parents die when she is at a young age, so she is brought up by the Reeds-her only known-of relatives. After her Uncle Reed died, Aunt Reed took over the house and started being cruel to Jane. She never wanted to raise her as one of her own; the reason she did so was because her husband wished to do it. By continuing to raise Jane, she wouldn’t disrespect Uncle Reed’s will of Jane staying with the Reeds. As Jane was growing up into a young girl, she was treated harshly by most; especially her cousin John Reed whom got her into much trouble with Aunt Reed. Gateshead was a place that forced Jane to endure the negative parts of life; something a young child should not go through. Fortunately, after years of conflicts, Jane finally received an opportunity to leave her depressing household and receive an education at the charity school known as Lowood.

At Lowood, Jane befriends a girl named Helen Burns within a few days of being there. Helen teaches Jane many things, especially philosophical things such as the kingdom of God. These “teachings” will eventually allow Jane to become closer to God. It also allows her to always appreciate life some more, no matter how bad things can. This is important for her to learn, because living conditions in Lowood are lousy, and uncomfortable, but Jane successfully starts her education, and all her teachers eventually grow to have a like to her. Her education goes well, and she eventually was allowed to learn French, which was available only to smart, dedicated students. After years of being taught at Lowood, Jane eventually becomes a teacher there, where she also learns about how to be a teacher. After two years of this, Jane feels she is qualified enough to take on an official job. She posts an advertisement in a newspaper, and receives a job at Thornfield Hall.

At Thornfield Hall, Jane becomes the governess of a young, French girl named Adele who was adopted years ago by Mr. Rochester, Jane’s employer. At Thornfield, Jane experiences the upper-class treatment of living (however without being involved with the conversations of ladies and gentlemen). Also at Thornfield, Jane learns and experiences love with Mr. Rochester, until her heart becomes confused after realizing that he has a living wife, hidden in Thornfield. Jane starts to think to herself about this, and she declares to herself that she should leave Thornfield.

Leaving Thornfield with nothing but an empty heart, Jane manages to reach as far as Whitcross, a place many miles away from Thornfield. There, Jane lives for a few days among the streets, confused and alone about her current place in life. Her wanderings eventually lead her to some people that will take her in-the Rivers. While she is there, she learns much more about her family heritage, something she knows nearly nothing about. She learns that she is related to the Rivers, and that she had been left a will by her dying Uncle. From there, she became a rich, independent mistress, and sought happiness by going back to marry Mr. Rochester, showing her the true happiness and love in life.

Jane Eyre’s life is a complicated one; being a normal woman amongst the poor and the rich has really taught her much about herself. The places she’s been have forged there effect into Jane, creating her into a brilliant young woman with many opportunities.