Summary

Jane introduces herself in what seems like a journal entry dated Spring 1550 at her family’s home, Bradgate House in Leicestershire, England. Jane explains that she and her father are Protestants and her mother and sisters follow the old faith, Catholicism. She explains that the rituals of Catholicism are nothing more than superstition and that Protestantism is the enlightened religion of smart people. Jane also talks about her parents. Her father, despite being Protestant like her, is very worldly. He puts too much emphasis on social status. Jane, age 12, is torn over the fact that the Bible calls her to be obedient to parents that, to her, are clearly not living virtuous lives. She sees her role in the family as one of converter and savior, trying to enlighten them all to save their souls.

Jane discusses her younger sisters...