Religio Flashcards
“ You must be on your guard against her; you must shun her example “
Mr. Brocklehurst represents the worst kind of Christianity in the novel. His evangelical sermons, extreme stinginess, and cruel treatment of his students come in sharp contrast with his family’s luxurious lifestyle and his embezzlement of school funds. In this particular scene, Mr. Brocklehurst demonstrates the extent of his cruelty by tormenting Jane with false accusations in front of her school peers. Although Mr. Brocklehurst is eventually removed from his position at Lowood, he remains one of the worst obstacles that the child Jane must overcome in order to continue her quest for independence.
Janes advice to survive after choosing reason over passion
“ do as I do : trust in god and yourself “
Jane viewed as “ un-Christian “
Due to tantrums / lack of self control
Labelled as immoral
Miss shoot constantly reminds Jane of her wickedness and need for repenting
Believe god will punish her
Love your enemies
Stressses tolerance / acceptance
Years later as Mrs R dies Jane uses the advice and fully forgive
“ you have a wicked heart”
Brocklehurst embodies hypocrisy of misguided religion
True Christian would be kind to a child
Not judgemental
Continued cycle of injustice / dehumanisation of janes chuldhood
‘ Christian ‘ thing would be to forgive not command girls to shun her
Victorian Christianity in negative light
Predominantly male Christian characters ( clergymen )
Jane struggles to find balance between moral duty / pleaseure
Helen buena
Epitome of Christian values
Responds to neg Jane with hope of instilling gods positivity
Similar to St J - lived life in eyes of God
St John
Represents ambition glory extrem self importance
Urges Jane to give up emotional to fulfill moral duty
Causes Jane to realise life without passion = just as bad as life without principle
