Mrs. Brocklehurst is a character from the novel Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. She is the strict and unyielding head of the Lowood School, where Jane is sent as a child. Mrs. Brocklehurst is known for her harsh treatment of the students and her emphasis on discipline and piety. Her character represents the oppressive societal norms of the time, particularly regarding education and the treatment of girls. Mrs. Brocklehurst's focus on austerity and her lack of compassion highlight the challenges faced by the young girls at Lowood, including Jane Eyre herself.