Characterization - Mrs. Reed

""Well, I have twice done you a wrong which I regret now. One was in breaking the promise which I gave my husband to bring you up as my own child; the other — " she stopped. "After all, it is of no great importance, perhaps," she murmured to herself: "and then I may get better; and to humble myself so to her is painful""(242). 


Throughout the whole novel, Mrs. Reed was a nasty careless women to Jane. She didn't care for her when she was supposed to, she didn't provide what a child needs in order to grow up healthy. Jane did not receive that from her aunt Mrs. Reed. Jane was not a bad child, she just didn't have the care someone her age should get. Mrs. Reed told lies to Mr. Brocklehurst and told him that Jane was a liar. After Jane moved away and didn't come back  until her aunt was on her death bed, Mrs. Reed seemed to feel a little remorse. The Quote above shows that she started to feel bad that she didn't take care of Jane how she should have. Jane during the time of her aunt dying didn't really show any anger, but forgiveness. I do not however think that the aunt changed a significant amount. She didn't show any sign of thankfulness for Jane being so forgiving towards her. All in all, Mrs. Reed did seem to have a moment of remorse, but not a complete change.