Mr. Brocklehurst Humiliates Jane

Mr. Brocklehurst visits Lowood and, after lecturing the school on austerity, singles out Jane. He forces her to stand on a stool in front of the entire school and denounces her as a liar, based on Mrs. Reed's accusations. He orders the other girls to shun her. Jane is devastated by the public shame, but Helen Burns smiles at her as she passes, giving her strength. This event is a turning point: it tests Jane's resilience and solidifies her bond with Helen.