St. John Rivers (links to religion) Flashcards
why is St. John important in Jane Eyre
St. John serves as the opposite of Mr Rochester. His appearance is and juxtaposition is a stark contrast. Where Mr Rochester is fiery and passionate, St. John is suppressed and cold, “To me, he was in reality become no longer flesh, but marble; his eye was a cold, bright, blue gem; his tongue a speaking instrument– nothing more.”
what can we say about St. John’s personality
St. Johns brooding and reserve nature suggests a troubled mind and his Christianity gives him neither serenity or peace of mind. This is made apparent form his sermons that translates a “strictly restrained zeal” implying his bitterness and hardness.
“it began calm—and indeed, as far as delivery and pitch of voice went, it was calm to the end: an earnestly felt, yet strictly restrained zeal breathed soon in the distinct accents, and prompted the nervous language. This grew to force—compressed, condensed, controlled”
St. John’s entirety of preaching and personality reflects his views on religion. Here, we learn that he in St. Johns eyes, religion should be a way that allows you to both “control and condense” ones emotions. The weakness of St. John’s Christianity is that he lacks passion. Rather than embracing this emotion, he suppresses it. This is clearly evident through his relationship with Rosamond .
Arguably, St. John’s ambitions is his fatal flaw. He rather to forsake his feelings for Rosamond for “what was good and great”.
“ he lived only to aspire—after what was good and great, certainly: but still he would never rest, nor approve of others resting round him”.
what is St John’s view on marriage
St. John views Marriage as an obligation and a duty.
“Jane, come to me to India: come as my helpmeet and fellow - labourer” Note how St. John uses words that imply strenuous work. His language suggest how it is his obligation/ duty to spread the word of God. His blind ambition prevents him to see that see his duties as a Christian as anything but “labour”. This idea links to his viewpoint on marriage- marriage to Jane would help further his cause and fuel his ambitions. Perhaps this is why his Christianity lacks comfort “Zealous in his ministerial labours, blameless in his life and habits, he yet did not appear to enjoy that mental serenity”.
This contrasts to Mr Rochester who seeks fulfilment through earthly passions, St. John seeks fulfilment buy completing heavenly duties
St. John’ view on religion quotes
“Zealous in his ministerial labours, blameless in his life and habits, he yet did not appear to enjoy that mental serenity”.
“it began calm—and indeed, as far as delivery and pitch of voice went, it was calm to the end: an earnestly felt, yet strictly restrained zeal breathed soon in the distinct accents, and prompted the nervous language. This grew to force—compressed, condensed, controlled”
“To me, he was in reality become no longer flesh, but marble; his eye was a cold, bright, blue gem; his tongue a speaking instrument– nothing more.”
such disregard to earthily joys similar to Helen
