This morning, the village school opened. I had twenty scholars. But three of the number can read: none write or cipher. Several knit, and a few sew a little. They speak with the broadest accent of the district. At present, they and I have a difficulty in understanding each other’s language. Some of them are unmannered, rough, intractable, as well as ignorant; but others are docile, have a wish to learn, and evince a disposition that pleases me. I must not forget that these coarsely-clad little peasants are of flesh and blood as good as the scions of gentlest genealogy; and that the germs of native excellence, refinement, intelligence, kind feeling, are as likely to exist in their hearts as in those of the best-born. My duty will be to develop these germs: surely I shall find some happiness in discharging that office.
– Charlotte Bronte
Jane Eyre, Chapter 31. Jane begins her teaching job in Morton. She has twenty students with little education between them. Although they are rough and badly dressed peasants, she believes that they are as good and deserving as the children of the noblest families. She commits to giving them a good education and developing the metaphorical germs of native excellence and intelligence in their hearts.
