Character sketch of mr brocklehurst in novel Jane Eyre?

Answer 1

The epithet 'institutional oppressor' may well have been penned to describe the character of the Reverend Brocklehurst. From his first meeting with Jane Eyre at Gateshead to his dreaded appearances at Lowood School, it is clear that Brocklehurst is a figure to be feared not just for his harsh, punitive style but mainly for his hypocrisy. He describes the system at Lowood School thus: 'plain fare, simple attire, unsophisticated accommodations, hardy and active habits: such is the order of the day in the house and its inhabitants.'

This 'harsh and prim' man standing erect, clad comfortably in a sable cape is a hypocrite of the first degree. The reader is left in no doubt of this when his wife and daughters visit Lowood, dressed in the finest clothes of velvet, silk and ermine. Jane, shivering in her thin frock points out, with understatement that they 'should have come a little sooner to have heard his lecture on dress'. The lecture had recommended that the pupils at Lowood be taught to 'clothe themselves with shamefacedness and sobriety, not with braided hair and costly apparel'.

It is deeply ironic that in the moments preceeding Mr Brockelhurst's proclaimation that Jane Eyre is 'a liar', Jane fears the exposure of these false claims mainly because she dreads being despised 'for a hypocrite' by Miss Temple. Miss Temple, who, as her name suggests, espouses the virtures of true faith, hope and charity, is the teacher who offers Jane solace in her hour of need. She allows Jane the opportunity to explain herself rather than frightening her with stories of burning in hell, as told by Brocklehurst.

Answer 2

Mr. Brocklehurst is an austere and hypocritical figure in Jane Eyre. As the manager of Lowood School, he imposes strict and oppressive rules on the students, while displaying a lack of compassion and understanding. He embodies the theme of religious hypocrisy and serves as a contrast to Jane's independent and rebellious nature.