"The theme of physical and mental abuse in Jane Eyre is presented by Brontë chiefly to inform the reader of social issues”. Discuss.

[I have decided to do an essay plan here, as the answer would be much longer than 1-2 paragraphs]Introduction - outline argument (yes, no, sort of) and give a brief overview of mid-Victorian contextParagraph 1 - Jane's abuse as a child, both at Gateshead and at Lowood ("if I had lately left a good home and kind parents, this would have been the hour [then] I should most keenly have regretted the seperation"). Context - rising awareness of children's rights, charity and education, Dickens etc., Marxist critique. Explain how the language used/dialogue enforces the power dynamic ie. children being talked overParagraph 2 - Bertha Rochester seen possibly as a victim of Rochester’s/society’s cruelty ("madwoman in the attic") status of women in Victorian Britain, the rise of insane asylums and mental health activism, the symbolism of the 'fire', Gilbert & Gubar's political opinions. Paragraph 3 - St. John's self-discipline abuse (to avoid the "firey pits"), Puritanism and Anglicanism in Mid-Victorian England, status of missionaries and Orientalism, etc. Conclusion