Jane Eyre

In Charlotte Bronte’s novel, “Jane Eyre,” religion is a recurring theme whether it is seen as a metaphorical light at the end of the tunnel for specific characters or the basis of their lives. Characters such as the master of the Lowood school, Mr. Brocklehurst, the missionary St. John Rivers, or the angelic child Helen Burns all display evidence that they are aware of Christianity. However, even though these characters define their morals by religion, none are true Biblical followers because each person has a twist to the theme; creating a sense that religion is ironic in the novel.

            The schoolmaster, Mr. Brocklehurst, is very strict on the students in terms of their behaviors, but plays no attention to the deteriorating building and the lack of funds to support the institution. Instead of supplying the school, he keeps the money to live a lavish lifestyle, which is completely ironic because he continuously references religion in his speech, while not acting upon it. This is one of the first examples in which Bronte hints that those claiming to be religious are imposters when it comes to acting upon their beliefs. Helen Burns, while still displaying elements of irony, is the most Christ-like figure in the entire novel. She passively accepts horrible conditions but does not trust what everyone says, proving that she believes in her own faith rather than religion. On her gravestone, it states that she will rise again, giving her an angelic quality, but even though she represents Christianity, it is ironic that she is more spiritual than religious.

            St. John Rivers is at first seen as a religious man, due obviously to his name and the fact that he is a missionary who frequently visits India. Realizing that he cannot give up his dream of being a missioner, he proposes to her and plans to bring her along. The fact that he is seen as a prophet by other characters in the novel serves as a purpose for Jane to beware of him. The character wants control of his lover, which may be seen as a metaphor for religion itself wanting to completely own its followers. As a result, the free-spirited Jane leaves the relationship; proving that religion does not always prove dominant for some people.

            Although Christianity is poignant in the novel, it takes shapes as more of an ironic theme for those who claim they believe in it. Also, characters like Helen who tend to be more spiritual disregard the religion, proving that no one in the novel is a true Christian follower. By doing this, Bronte successfully translates to the reader that religion cannot be forced upon, and must be a personal decision.