Answer:
In Chapter 5 of Jane Eyre, Jane leaves Gateshead and travels to Lowood School. The school is a charity institution for orphan girls and is known for its harsh living conditions, including sparse and sometimes inedible meals 1. Brontë uses Lowood to satirize the conditions in girls’ charity schools 1.
One theme that Brontë expresses in this chapter is the struggle for independence and self-respect. Jane’s journey to Lowood represents her first step towards independence from her cruel aunt, Mrs. Reed. At Lowood, Jane meets Helen Burns, who teaches her about endurance and patience in the face of injustice 1. These details support the theme of independence and self-respect by showing Jane’s determination to overcome adversity and find her own place in the world.