Social Class and Inequality Quotes in Jane Eyre

I thought of the life that lay before me—your life, sir—an existence more expansive and stirring than my own: as much more so as the depths of the sea to which the brook runs are than the shallows of its own strait channel.

What it was, whether beast or human being, one could not, at first sight, tell: it grovelled, seemingly, on all fours; it snatched and growled like some strange wild animal: but it was covered with clothing, and a quantity of dark, grizzled hair, wild as a mane, hid its head and face.

"Friends always forget those whom fortune forsakes," I murmured, as I undrew the bolt and passed out.

At any rate, there is neither room nor claim for me, sir.

I was seized with shame: my tongue would not utter the request I had prepared. I dared not offer her the half-worn gloves, the creased handkerchief: besides, I felt it would be absurd.

Will you give me a piece of bread? for I am very hungry.

Rather an unusual physiognomy; certainly, not indicative of vulgarity or degradation.

The want of house or brass (by which I suppose you mean money) does not make a beggar in your sense of the word.

I am an orphan, the daughter of a clergyman. My parents died before I could know them. I was brought up a dependent; educated in a charitable institution.

Strange hardships, I imagine—poor, emaciated, pallid wanderer!