Short Note on Helen Burns in Lowood School
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, to various questions of Jane Eyre.
Answer
Helen Burns in Lowood School
Helen Burns is a significant character in Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel, “Jane Eyre.” She plays a necessary role in Jane’s life at Lowood School. Helen Burns is Jane’s first friend at the school, and her character is marked by her unwavering purity, resilience, and profound impact on Jane’s development. Helen is described as a quiet, gentle, and highly religious girl who endures the harsh conditions at Lowood School with remarkable patience. Despite the school’s authorities’ strict and often cruel treatment, Helen remains firm in her faith and principles. She is a source of inspiration for Jane, who is deeply moved by Helen’s ability to endure suffering and injustice without anger.
One of the most memorable aspects of Helen Burns is her belief in forgiveness and turning the other cheek, even in the face of cruelty. Her deep Christian faith influences her philosophy, and she encourages Jane to be patient and forgiving rather than succumbing to anger and resentment. Helen’s untimely death from consumption is a poignant moment in the story and serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of life during the Victorian era.