Mr Brocklehurst And St John Rivers example essay topic

It appears that Jane has had a strong belief in God, but she seems to have a more wholesome and wholehearted belief than some other characters in the novel. In the beginning of the novel young Jane is painfully rejected by her aunt, a swell as her son and daughter. She is unable to alter the daily pattern of abuse and neglect. This makes it obvious that she did not live as a member of a truly Christian family, but she was mature enough to develop her own beliefs through daily prayers and biblical readings. Further in the story, she meets Mr. Brocklehurst for the first time and interviews Jane about sin, hell and the Bible. At one point in the conversation he asks her if she knows any psalms, she replies that 'Psalms are not interesting (Bronte, 490).

This proves to Mr. Brocklehurst that she hasa wicked heart, and must pray to God to change it and give her a new and clean one. Why must Mr. Brocklehurst be so harsh with such a young child? Would a true ly Christian man ever be so quick to condemn someone he doesn't know anything about? Eventually Jane moves to Low ood Institution, an old, drafty, dreary place.

It is there that Jane comes to realize that although Mr. Brocklehurst was able to put on a good show at Gateshead Hall about his religious beliefs, he is lacking in basic human necessities. The meals that we reserved were meager portions; during some occasions it was burned. Her knowledge of the shortcomings atLowood were supported when she over heard the teachers whisper 'Abominable stuff! How Shameful!' (Bronte, 499). This situation along with the dreadfully cold sleeping quarters show that Mr. Brocklehurst although knowledgeable in biblical psalms and parables had no concern with the conditions these children lived in. Also, when Jane accidentally breaks her slate he punishes her by making her stand on a high stool as punishment.

From this point onward in the novel, it is clear that Mr. Brocklehurstsymbolizes hypocrisy and insensitivity. In particular, Mr. Brocklehurst was complaining about holes in stockings and expounding the virtues of a good Christian, he is interrupted by his fashionably dressed wife and two daughters. Their ostrich plumes, beaver hats and false French curls contrast with the cold, underdressed children huddling over a fire to keep warm. Obviously most of the donated money is used to spoil his family, and not being used for what it was given for. Is this the behavior of true Christian? Jane doesn't not think so, but she is smart enough to disregard things she can not change and is able to find a few role models that influence her development.

Jane's relationship with Helen Burns seems to strengthen her belief in God. Helen tells Jane that she is happy, and that she doesn't want Jane to grieve her death. By dying she is escaping great sufferings, and that she has strong faith in God. Helen also tells Jane about her beliefs in heaven. She says, 'I am sure there is a future state; I believe God is god; I can resign my immortal part to him without any misgivings. God is my father; God is my friend: I love him; Believe he loves me' (525).

After Helen tells her this she feels dearer to her, the reader can feel an emotional bond between the two girls and the sense of a developing of strong faith. Eventually, Jane meets a man named St. John Rivers who takes her in as a poor, helpless woman. Later they feel an attraction toward each other that must be avoided because they learn that they are distant relations. She notices that St. John is a good-hearted, caring man with strong faith in God. She appreciates those qualities and almost falls in love with him. St. John asks her to join him on a religious mission in India.

Think that she was not a woman with a mind of her own he tries to convince her by saying 'God and Nature intended you for a missionary's wife... Amissionary's wife you must-shall be. You shall be mine: I claim you-nor for my pleasure, but for my Sovereign " service'. (749) She almost accepts but comes to realize that he wants her to be his wife not his companion to spread the word of God. She feels a brotherly bond with St. John which would make marrying him a seem an incestuous activity which maybe a condemnatory offense in the eyes of God whom she does not want to offend. Also she begins to realize that his religious missions are not done from the heart, he feels its his job.

She is confused that a self- proclaimed man of God could overlook such a situation. Jane makes it clear that she does not want to be a part of his proposal. After comparing these two characters the reader can see that there are major differences in their belief or beliefs in God. Both Mr. Brocklehurst and St. John Rivers have avery narrow-minded view of God. They believe that memorization and recitation of psalms and Scripture readings will get you to heaven, but they don't realize that human neglect is looked down upon by God. While Jan eon the other hand has a more worldly, open-minded view of God.

That not only must a person be knowledgeable of what He has done and what He expects of us, but that we must care for each other as we care for ourselves. Jane believes that God accepts people by what is in their heart He will not be fooled by the masks or religious fronts that people wear and build. Also, note that she does not hate them because of their hypocritical ways she hopes that their eyes open to what they are doing, and chooses not to get to involved. Jane isa very intelligent woman, and though she has had a hard life she still knows to lead with her mind and love with her heart.

She exemplifies a true christian.