religion Flashcards
Big idea for religion in chapter 4
Religion is clearly used to control causing Jane to seek no comfort form it
quotes and analysis to support the big idea
Religion is clearly used to control causing Jane to seek no comfort form it
“I looked up at a - black pillar- such, a least to me, at first sight, the straight, narrow sable clad shape standing erect on the rug; the grim face at the top was like a carved mask”
A clergyman Brocklehurst symbolises Jane’s aversion to some of the versions of organized religion. This man is hard and inflexible in his beliefs. This is ironic due to his later hypocrisy. The idea that his face resembles a “carved mask” implies his inhumanity.
From their first interaction the reader realizes that this spiritual man will offer Jane little comfort and no salvation.
Mr Brocklehurst poses as a strong contrast to Jane. Jane is associated with fire and passion whilst Mr Brocklehurst is cold and aloof “stony stranger
what does Helen Burns name signifies
Helen’s name signifies how she is burning with a passion for heaven. When we are introduced to Helen she is reading Samuel Johnson’s didactive tome Ressalas, an essay arguing that happiness is often unobtainable. This book does not appeal to Jane as it does not contain fantastical creatures. This signifies the difference in emotional maturity between the two
why is Helen important
Like Jane, Helen is a poor lonely child but her method of dealing with her problems contrast with Jane’s, as is apparent with her interaction with Miss Scatchard. Whilst being punished Jane notes how Helen seems to be “thinking of something beyond her punishment” and her sight seems to have “gone down into her heart”. This emphasizing Helen’s focus on spiritual rather than material matters.
Big idea for chapter 6 -7
Helen’s view of Christianity and religion sharply contrasts with the one of Mr Brocklehurst’s
quote and analysis to support the big idea
Helen’s view of Christianity and religion sharply contrasts with the one of Mr Brocklehurst’s
“The Bible bids us return good for evil”
“Read the New Testament and observe what Christ says how He acts; make His word your rule, and His conduct your example
“Love your enemies; bless them that curse you; do good to them that hate you and despitefully use you
“Heathens and savage tribes hold that doctrine, but Christians and civilised nations disown it”
Helen’s view on religion is made apparent in these quotes. It shows how Helen’s spiritual viewpoint is nurturing and hints towards messages of love and endurance. This contrasts with the strict, hypocritical religion of Mr Brocklehurst She outwardly criticises Jane’s outbursts of passion stating how only “heathens and savage tribes” would agree with her ungoverned emotions.
Big idea about religion in chapter 7
Mr Brocklehurst viewpoint on religion is clearly hypocritical. This emphasises how he uses it to control rather than nurture like Helen Burns
quote and analysis that supports the big idea
Mr Brocklehurst viewpoint on religion is clearly hypocritical. This emphasises how he uses it to control rather than nurture like Helen Burns
“oh, madam, when you put bread and cheese, instead of burnt porridge into these children’s mouths you may indeed feed their vile bodies, but you little think how you starve their immortal souls”
His ideas contrasts sharply with his children and wife coming in “elaborately curled hair” and “ornately dressed velvet, silk and furs”. Bronte is criticising the hypocrisy of religion and how it is used to control rather than nurture.
why is Helen important to Jane’s development
“It is better to endure patiently […] than to commit a hasty action”
“I suspected she might be right and I wrong”
Through Helen’s actions, Jane learns that heroism isn’t achieved by vengeance, but by dignity, intelligence and courage- qualities that she displays throughout the novel. Equally, she learns to change her behaviour by changing her attitude; Helen’s mere smile changes her shame to strength
“It was as if a martyr, a hero, had passed a slave or victim, and imparted strength in the transit”
Here Jane again employs the language of heroism and slavery. Helen’s heroism passes into Jane so that she can relinquish her victimization.
