Bronte includes a variety of different families that Jane encounters and belongs to, but it is clear that Jane’s life does not follow with the stereotypical family made up of a patriarchal father and nurturing mother, both whose primary focus was in raising their children. Jane’s life was void of this true family experience so common during the nineteenth century.

Bronte has presented most of the families in Jane Eyre to be either incomplete or dysfunctional. Most of the main characters lack one or both parents, with the consequence that they will lack guidance, support and control; and will perhaps struggle to find a true sense of belonging and comfort in a family elsewhere. This is true for the Reeds, but even more so for Jane. This lack of love and belonging that Jane copes with is evident through her treatment at Gateshead, especially how Mrs Reed differentiates between her own children and her neice, Jane. Mrs Reed refers to her own children as "little darlings" meanwhile, she doesnt express any love or care for Jane, as she is constantly kept "at a distance."

Although Jane lacks a true, comforting parental figure to support her through her early life, she chances upon some women who act as a surrogate mother to her. Some examples of characters who take up this role are bessie, Ms Temple and Fairfax.

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