“. . . Gulliver’s Travels . . .” (17)

In Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift, the protagonist is frequently ostracized by those around him due to his difference from the tiny people around him when he arrives in their land simply because he is seen as a giant. Then, he is treated similarly in a land of giants simply because he appears to be miniscule from their vantage point. No matter what, he does not fit in simply because of a factor he cannot control. This is similar to the situation experienced by Jane: she never quite fits in, and not for lack of trying. To anyone that has ever read Gulliver’s Travels, Bronte makes it clear from the first chapter's reference that this is the fate to which Jane shall be subjected throughout her tale.

EDIT: Jane has difficulty fitting in, despite her efforts to do so, because she is so different from most other women of her time. While they are content to remain objectified, meek, and dominated, Jane refuses to let this become her fate. Throughout her life she may be ostracized for her true nature, but she remains independent, strong-willed, and opinionated despite the circumstances.

Source:

"SparkNotes: Gulliver’s Travels." SparkNotes: Today's Most Popular Study Guides. Web. 03 Jan. 2010. http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/gulliver/.