Here's how the satire works:
* Hypocrisy: Mr. Brocklehurst presents himself as a pious and benevolent man, dedicated to the spiritual welfare of the girls. However, his actions contradict his words. He preaches about humility and self-denial, while living a life of comfort and luxury. He punishes the girls harshly for minor offenses, while turning a blind eye to his own failings.
* Exaggeration: Brontë uses exaggeration to highlight Mr. Brocklehurst's absurdity. His appearance is described in grotesque detail, with a "long, sallow visage, and a wide, thin mouth," and his voice is a "harsh, grating sound." His pronouncements about the girls' "wickedness" are overblown and ridiculous.
* Irony: The irony lies in the contrast between Mr. Brocklehurst's self-righteousness and his cruelty. He claims to be acting in the girls' best interests, while his actions are clearly detrimental to their health and well-being. This irony exposes the hypocrisy at the heart of Victorian society.
Specific examples:
* Mr. Brocklehurst's insistence on the girls wearing plain, uncomfortable clothes, while he himself dresses in fine attire. This highlights the hypocrisy of his claim to be concerned with the girls' spiritual welfare, as he prioritizes outward appearance over actual needs.
* The scene where Mr. Brocklehurst punishes Jane for lying about her "wicked" nature, even though she was only trying to protect herself from his judgment. This exposes his lack of empathy and understanding, and his tendency to prioritize obedience over truth.
Through Mr. Brocklehurst, Brontë criticizes the rigid social norms and the hypocrisy of Victorian society, particularly within the religious sphere. The satire serves to expose the flaws in these systems, highlighting the need for compassion, understanding, and true justice.