How does Helen Burns influence Jane’s understanding of religion?
Jane Eyre is a notable literary work by Charlotte Brontë. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Jane Eyre.
Answer
How does Helen Burns influence Jane’s understanding of religion? [NU: 2022]
Charlotte Brontë (1816–1855) in “Jane Eyre” (1847) gives a very touching picture of friendship. At Lowood School, Jane meets Helen Burns. Helen is calm, gentle, and full of faith. She teaches Jane about patience, forgiveness, and true religion. Through Helen, Jane learns a new way to see life and God.
Teaching Patience and Forgiveness: Helen is punished often by Miss Scatcherd for small mistakes. Sometimes her nails are dirty. Sometimes her book is held wrongly. Yet Helen never gets angry. She tells Jane,
“Love your enemies; bless them that curse you.”
This comes from the Bible. Jane learns patience from Helen. She sees religion as love and forgiveness.
Showing Faith in Suffering: Helen is sick with tuberculosis. She suffers but never complains. She accepts pain calmly. She tells Jane:
“I live in calm, looking to the end.”
Helen believes in God’s heaven. She trusts that after death, she will find peace. Jane learns that true religion is faith and hope, not fear.
Inspiring Jane’s Spiritual Growth: Helen’s death is very moving. She dies in Jane’s arms, saying:
“God is my father; God is my friend.”
This moment changes Jane deeply. She understands that religion is about love, not punishment. Helen becomes her spiritual guide. Jane carries this lesson throughout her life.
Helen Burns shapes Jane’s religion with love, patience, and faith. She teaches her to forgive enemies, trust God, and find peace in suffering. Helen’s gentle spirit guides Jane toward a moral, strong, and hopeful life.