While disease had thus become an inhabitant of Lowood and death its frequent visitor?

The phrase highlights the grim reality of life at Lowood, where disease and death were pervasive, reflecting the harsh conditions and inadequate care faced by the inhabitants. It underscores the suffering endured by the students, emphasizing the institutional neglect that characterized their environment. This bleak setting serves as a backdrop for the characters’ struggles and resilience, illustrating the challenges they must overcome in pursuit of a better life.