<P> At Lowood Institution, a school for poor and orphaned girls, Jane soon finds that life is harsh, but she attempts to fit in and befriends an older girl, Helen Burns, who is able to accept her punishment philosophically . During a school inspection by Mr. Brocklehurst, Jane accidentally breaks her slate, thereby drawing attention to herself . He then stands her on a stool, brands her a liar, and shames her before the entire assembly . Jane is later comforted by her friend, Helen . Miss Temple, the caring superintendent, facilitates Jane's self - defence and writes to Mr. Lloyd, whose reply agrees with Jane's . Jane is then publicly cleared of Mr. Brocklehurst's accusations . </P> <P> The 80 pupils at Lowood are subjected to cold rooms, poor meals, and thin clothing . Many students fall ill when a typhus epidemic strikes, and Jane's friend Helen dies of consumption in her arms . When Mr. Brocklehurst's maltreatment of the students is discovered, several benefactors erect a new building and install a sympathetic management committee to moderate Mr. Brocklehurst's harsh rule . Conditions at the school then improve dramatically . </P> <P> The name Lowood symbolizes the "low" point in Jane's life where she was maltreated . Helen Burns is a representation of Charlotte's elder sister Maria, who died of tuberculosis after spending time at a school where the children were mistreated . </P> <P> After six years as a student and two as a teacher at Lowood, Jane decides to leave, like her friend and confidante Miss Temple, who recently married . She advertises her services as a governess and receives one reply, from Alice Fairfax, housekeeper at Thornfield Hall . Jane takes the position, teaching Adèle Varens, a young French girl . </P>

How old is jane eyre when she arrives at thornfield