St John Rivers - Character Flashcards
St John has dedicated his life to God:
-he is a clergyman who rescues Jane when she is close to death.Along with sisters, Diana and Mary he helps her to recover and the finds her work as a teacher
He tells Jane that he felt “miserable” before he decided to serve God as a missionary- he’s not completely committed to going to India and believes that only serving God can make him truly happy
Theme - religion:
In 19th century Britain many people believed Christianity was the only ‘true’ religion. It was seen as noble and ‘right’ to try and convert people overseas
St. John’s unswerving faith drives all of his decisions. He’s in love with the beautiful miss Oliver
But he doesn’t pursue her because she wouldn’t make a good missionary wife
He is willing to deny himself pleasure on Earth because they will fade away whereas loving and serving God wholeheartedly will give him eternal happiness and satisfaction
How is Jane is dedicated to god
He acts as a foil to mr Rochester
St. John’s wish to make Jane his wife for practical reasons contrasts strongly with mr Rochester’s passionate desire to marry Jane . Mr Rochester even suggets Jane could be of his mistress -something
that St. John would disapprove of
St. John tells Jane that he’s a “cold, hard man “ and when he doesn’t enjoy Christmas at Moor house , Jane realises he’s telling the truth . This contrasts with mr Rochester’s love of parties and socialising
His lack of emotional passion drives Jane’s return to mr Rochester. St. John’s passion is serving God, and Jane’s not prepared to be in a loveless marriage
Describe how john rivers acts as a foil to mr Rochester
St. John’s words end to the novel
St. John is an admirable character -he sticks rigidly to what he believes is right and is faithful to God
Bronte ends the novel with St John’s last words to Jane, where he speaks about his death.jane believes he should be admired-even though she didn’t want to be a wife , she loves him like a brother
How do St. John Rivers words end the novel
