In every bildungsroman, the main character must be able to accept and learn from his or her past experiences: and Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre is no exception. As an orphan raised by her abusive Aunt Reed, Jane had many terrifying and psychologically frightening memories that she carried with her as she grew up. But like almost everyone, she had to put the past behind her and move on. Once this is accomplished, Bronte is able to create an independent, self-confident woman capable of living by her rules. As a young child, Jane was always isolated from the rest of the house. Because of this, she was treated worse than the servants and constantly punished for things she did not cause. In one case, she was placed in the “red room” as punishment. Trapped in the same room in which her uncle died, Jane's fear of never escaping overtook her and she passed out. This scene was obviously very traumatic for her and greatly affected how she would react to similar events later in her life. Brontë's use of entrapment throughout this novel is a clear indication of the severity he exerted on Jane. For example, growing up, Jane was propositioned by a high-ranking man named Rochester. In Jane's eyes, even though she accepted the proposal, she still owed him something because he is richer than her. In other words, by accepting, Jane would have to live under him and be attached to him as his wife without the independence or freedom she sought. Knowing Jane's upbringing, Brontë uses this event as a defining moment for Jane's characterization. Here, it's clear that she still has the same fear of being trapped that she had as a child. Jane wishes she could be free and independent ... middle of paper ... him when she described that all souls are equal. Growing up in the environment she was raised in, Jane learned that equality and independence should be a universal right. As she grows up, Brontë uses these ideas to shape Jane's actions. Jane always has her freedom in mind whenever she makes a decision, like marrying Rochester for example. Through her resentment at the way she was treated as a young girl, Jane learns the very important life lesson that equality should be for all. In every upbringing, you must decide whether your past will define who you become in a positive or negative way. Bronte used Jane as a tool to prove that anyone, no matter where they come from, can become whoever they want to be. After accepting the past and learning from it, we can all hope to regain the same confidence and self-respect that Jane demonstrated in becoming a strong woman..