Differences:
* Family Ties: Jane is Mrs. Reed's orphaned ward, while the Reed children are her biological offspring. This difference creates a fundamental distinction in their status and treatment.
* Social Standing: The Reed children are born into a privileged family with wealth and social status. Jane is an orphan with no financial security or family name to rely on.
* Education: The Reed children are likely to receive a proper education, while Jane initially receives a meager education at Lowood Institution, a school for orphans.
* Personality: The Reed children, particularly John, are depicted as spoiled, cruel, and vindictive. Jane, on the other hand, is intelligent, independent, and has a strong moral compass.
How Jane was treated differently:
* Neglect and Abuse: Jane was neglected by Mrs. Reed and often subjected to verbal and emotional abuse by John. She was forced to wear hand-me-downs, given inadequate food, and excluded from family activities.
* Lack of Affection: The Reed children received affection and attention from their mother, while Jane was treated coldly and even called "wicked."
* Financial Dependence: Jane is completely dependent on the Reeds for her basic needs, which makes her vulnerable to their mistreatment. The Reed children have no such dependence.
* Sense of Belonging: Jane never truly felt she belonged in the Reed household. She was an outsider, a burden, and was reminded of her orphan status constantly.
The Root of the Difference:
The fundamental difference in treatment stems from Mrs. Reed's resentment towards Jane. She sees Jane as a constant reminder of her deceased brother's financial burden and the pain of his death. She projects her bitterness and anger onto Jane, creating a toxic environment for the young orphan.
In conclusion, Jane Eyre's situation highlights the stark social inequalities of the Victorian era and the harsh realities faced by orphans. She is treated differently because she is not a biological child of the family, she lacks financial security, and she is perceived as a burden by Mrs. Reed. This harsh treatment shapes Jane's character, propelling her to seek independence and a life of her own choosing.