Throughout the entire novel of Jane Eyre, the author, Charlotte Brontë, uses Biblical theology and Christianity for enhancing the reader’s enjoyment and understanding of the story. By closely analyzing these references in context, the reader can develop a deeper appreciation for the writing and begin to see a new depth to the plot and characters in Jane Eyre. A notable example of Biblical reference and theology in Jane Eyre is found at the end of chapter 9, where Helen Burns tells to Jane about Heaven, God, happiness and salvation before she succumbs to consumption and passes away. By studying Helen Burns’ theological revelations to Jane Eyre, the reader is able to better understand the theme of emotional maturation and spiritual growth in
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Rochester. Mr. Rochester refers to happiness eight times in Jane Eyre, and all eight references are stated within the context of his search for happiness in his life and how he knows and wishes that Jane will fulfill this happiness. The last time Mr. Rochester uses the word happiness, he pleads to Jane saying that “all happiness will be torn away” if she leaves, but receives only the cool reply, “do as I do: trust in God and yourself. Believe in heaven” (Brontë 270). Jane has come “to the same region of happiness” (Brontë 69) that Helen referred to before her death, and seeks to pass on the same wisdom that her friend gave her many years ago back in Lowood. She cannot and will not be the sole provider of Mr. Rochester’s happiness and leaves him shortly thereafter. By leaving Mr. Rochester, Jane has demonstrated that her happiness and satisfaction in life stem from her relationship with God and not from her present state of being as it was when she was a …show more content…
Rochester, she has overcome the greatest temptation in her life and has truly realized what it means to trust in God. Jane has always considered herself to be plain and always in need of someone to provide for her, and has mirrored the unassuming character of Helen during her time at Thornfield and Lowood. But in chapter 27 she asks herself, “who in the world cares for you” (Brontë 270) before casting away her doubts and affirming her faith with the self-empowering reply, “I care for myself . . . I will keep the law given by God” (Brontë 270). Up to this point in Jane Eyre, Jane had kept the practice of maintaining a quiet, personal faith through prayer from Lowood and her friend Helen. But in this scene, Jane shows that Jane Eyre is a story about a woman who gains an independence and autonomy based on a personal Christian faith. In addition, Helen dies before Jane could vocalize her questions on God, happiness and heaven and Charlotte Brontë presents these unanswered questions so that Jane could develop the above described independence on her own discovery. As a result, Jane fulfills Helen’s promise that “[she] will come to the same region of happiness” (Brontë 69), a happiness that she discovers does not depend on Mr. Rochester or even her location
Rochester. Mr. Rochester refers to happiness eight times in Jane Eyre, and all eight references are stated within the context of his search for happiness in his life and how he knows and wishes that Jane will fulfill this happiness. The last time Mr. Rochester uses the word happiness, he pleads to Jane saying that “all happiness will be torn away” if she leaves, but receives only the cool reply, “do as I do: trust in God and yourself. Believe in heaven” (Brontë 270). Jane has come “to the same region of happiness” (Brontë 69) that Helen referred to before her death, and seeks to pass on the same wisdom that her friend gave her many years ago back in Lowood. She cannot and will not be the sole provider of Mr. Rochester’s happiness and leaves him shortly thereafter. By leaving Mr. Rochester, Jane has demonstrated that her happiness and satisfaction in life stem from her relationship with God and not from her present state of being as it was when she was a …show more content…
Rochester, she has overcome the greatest temptation in her life and has truly realized what it means to trust in God. Jane has always considered herself to be plain and always in need of someone to provide for her, and has mirrored the unassuming character of Helen during her time at Thornfield and Lowood. But in chapter 27 she asks herself, “who in the world cares for you” (Brontë 270) before casting away her doubts and affirming her faith with the self-empowering reply, “I care for myself . . . I will keep the law given by God” (Brontë 270). Up to this point in Jane Eyre, Jane had kept the practice of maintaining a quiet, personal faith through prayer from Lowood and her friend Helen. But in this scene, Jane shows that Jane Eyre is a story about a woman who gains an independence and autonomy based on a personal Christian faith. In addition, Helen dies before Jane could vocalize her questions on God, happiness and heaven and Charlotte Brontë presents these unanswered questions so that Jane could develop the above described independence on her own discovery. As a result, Jane fulfills Helen’s promise that “[she] will come to the same region of happiness” (Brontë 69), a happiness that she discovers does not depend on Mr. Rochester or even her location