Jane Eyre Key Facts

Bronte wrote Jane Eyre in 1847 (Key Facts), and got it published the same year (Charlotte Bronte; Jane Eyre: Key Facts).

Bronte used the pseudonym, Currer Bell, to publish Jane Eyre and other works, and it was not until later that it was known who the author really was (Jane Eyre: Key Facts).

The novel Jane Eyre is semi-autobiographical (Charlotte Bronte Biography).

Several parts and characters were based upon Bronte’s own life. Including:

The school Jane went to, Lowood, was based on the school Cowan Bridge that Bronte attended (Jane Eyre: Context; Hinz).

Mr. Brocklehurst was based upon Reverend Carus Wilson from Cowan Bridge (Jane Eyre: Context; Hinz).

Helen was based upon Bronte’s older sisters, whom Bronte looked up to and died of tuberculosis (Jane Eyre: Context).

Bronte, like Jane, enjoyed art and drawing (Hinz).

Also like Jane, Bronte was a governess at one time (Jane Eyre: Context).

John Reed could have been based on Bronte’s only brother, Patrick Branwell Bronte, who was an addict (Jane Eyre: Context).

Bronte eventually fell in love with her headmaster, but like Rochester, was a married man (Hinz).

The novel began when Jane Eyre was about ten years old, and was living with her aunt and cousins. Jane’s parents had died when she was a baby, and her uncle, Mr. Reed, had died leaving her to Mrs. Reed. Jane’s cousin John

Jane found a friend in Helen Burns, a girl a few years older than Jane who helped her adapt. Helen was obedient and silent, whereas Jane was fiery and rebellious. Helen maintained her faith by accepting their harsh treatment as a way to make her better (Jane Eyre). The girls at the school were malnourished, overworked, and punished often (Jane Eyre). When Mr. Brocklehurst visited the school, he told everyone that Jane was a liar (Jane Eyre). However, Miss Temple did not punish Jane, and proved to be kind-hearted. Miss Temple also proved that Jane was not a