I felt I became a favourite in the neighbourhood. Whenever I went out, I heard on all sides cordial salutations, and was welcomed with friendly smiles. To live amidst general regard, though it be but the regard of working-people, is like “sitting in sunshine, calm and sweet;” serene inward feelings bud and bloom under the ray…my heart far oftener swelled with thankfulness than sunk with dejection.

– Charlotte Bronte

Jane Eyre, Chapter 32. Jane is reflecting on her life as a teacher in Morton. Quoting from an epic fantasy and romance poem by Irish writer Thomas Moore, she compares it to “sitting in sunshine, calm and sweet.” But when she speaks of feeling valued in the Morton community, she betrays a certain prejudice towards its working class.