Lowood is the institute for orphans that Jane is sent to. It is characterized by its marshes and woods, which the children are described exploring once the epidemic of typhus breaks out. The name of the place, although made up, seems to describe the external location surrounding it, "low wood," as well as the low point in her life (Brontë 63). Although Jane learns drawing and French, which brings her joy, she also experiences a death of a friend, an unhappiness with teaching, and a desire to see more. Overall, Lowood is a pivotal point in Jane’s maturation.

While not much is known about the childhood of Kean, his birth would eventually lead to a revolutionary type of Shakesperian performance. Kean not only changed the way that actors were perceived, he forever revitalized the way that Shakespeare was performed on stage. Most likely born out of wedlock, which would have been considered disgraceful then, Kean had a poor childhood and had to work hard to eventually become an actor.