Charlotte Bronte portrays many different sides of Jane as a character throughout the book, and these different sides alter and change along with the events that unfold. As Jane grows older, the reader can trace her path to maturity. A prime example of this is her forgiving of the cruelties of the Reed family on her when she was young.
After being locked in the Red Room, Jane curses Mrs. Reed, "I am glad you are no relation of mine: I will never call you aunt again as long as I live. I will never come to see you when I am grown up;" (36).
As a child, Jane cannot control herself and blows up on Mrs. Reed. Even though she was treated with cruelty, some of the things that she said were immature and uncalled for.
Later on when Jane receives news that she is unwell, she agrees to go against her vow and return home and see her former caretaker. She even goes as far as to try and amend any hard feelings that they shared on her death bed, only to be refused.
"Many a time as a little child I should have been glad to love you would you have let me; and I long earnestly to be reconciled to you now:..." (243).
Despite her aunt's resistance to amend childhood memories, it shows a great deal of maturity in Jane. She is able to put aside their differences and instead try to make peace before there is no chance for peace. In this instance, it is Mrs. Reed, not Jane, that shows immaturity.
I agree that Jane has matured a grown a lot as a character. It took her a lot of courage to forgive Mrs. Reed after the terrible childhood she put her through, but Jane is kind and understanding of Mrs. Reed, even when she is still cruel to Jane.
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