Jane Eyre
Jane Eyre is a novel that presents many views on religion through its various characters. Charlotte Bronte successfully employs several characters throughout the novel, who each have a distinct view on religion, specifically Christianity. These characters include Mr. Brocklehurst, Eliza Reed, Helen Burns, St. John Rivers, Jane, and Mr. Rochester. Some of these characters practice the strictness aspect of Christianity, while others believe in duty and works, and the remaining few are actual true Christians. There are many people in this world who take verses from the Bible out of context, and abide by strict rules, that they interpret as the right thing to do. A prime example of this kind of person is Mr. Brocklehurst in Jane Eyre. He wishes his girls to be "the children of grace", and wants their appearance as plain and simple as can be. On page 76, he says, "I have a master to serve whose kingdom is not of this world: my mission is to mortify in these girls the lusts of the flesh; to teach them to clothe themselves with shame-facedness and sobriety," However, just as he was lecturing the girls about this, his own daughters walked in, in velvet and silk, and wearing furs. This shows that he was a hypocrite, as he was ordering
his students to dress plainly, in accordance with what he thought God said, while his own daughters came in, dressed fashionably, with an appearance that was entirely opposite to what he was preaching. In addition to all of these characters, were the actual true Christians, who loved God wholeheartedly. The best example of this type of character is Helen Burns, who is an ideal religious character. At Lowood, Helen endured her punishments with humility and without resentment. She did not fear death, as she knew she was going to be united with God in Heaven. On her deathbed she spoke with Jane about her belief in eternal life with God. This is shown on page 95, when Helen says, "I believe; I have faith: I am going to God...My Maker and yours, who will never destroy what he created. I rely implicitly on his power, and confide wholly in his goodness: I count the hours till that eventful one arrives which shall restore me to him, reveal him to me." Helen is the only character that was a true Christian throughout her entire existence in the novel. However, there are other characters that developed into true Christians. One of these people is the main character, Jane Eyre. At first, Jane resisted Helen's advice and attitude on forgiveness, but eventually learned to forgive. Jane displays this attribute when she forgives her aunt in her deathbed: "I had left this woman in bitterness and hate, and I came back to her now with no other emotion than a sort of ruth for her great sufferings, and a strong yearning to f
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Approximate Word count = 1023
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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