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Recommended: A statement about religion in the book jane eyre

Religion, or lack thereof, often informs and colors most people’s perspectives of the world around them, and their interpersonal relationships. This is evident in Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, a novel written in an era in which almost all women were relegated to lives of insignificance, and had little to no rights. Brontë’s shrewd use of religious tropes and characters reflect varying stances on religion and how to practice it, and lay bare its power as a tool which can be used to oppress or to liberate. For example, there are stark differences between the characters Mr Brocklehurst, Helen, and St John, all who preached and influenced Jane differently with their own very different ideologies on Christianity. Through this, Brontë warns readers of the power of religion, and its ability to forever alter one’s life as it plays a critical role in ones development.

Mr Brocklehurst is the first prominent character to preach to Jane about Heaven and Hell, and represents the cold and hypocritical side of Christianity, found in those who lack the true understanding of God. Jane’s first impression of Mr Brocklehurst describes him as, “-a black pillar!- straight, narrow, sable-clad shape standing erect on the rug: [a] grim face at the top was like a carved mask”(IV, 26). Mr Brocklehurst’s semblance is one that exemplifies his malicious nature; Jane recognizes that Mr Brocklehurst hides behind “a cold mask”, a warning to his betrayal to the true Christian word that preaches love and forgiveness. -As a child Jane dauntingly sees Mr Brocklehurst as a pillar of darkness that looms over her, connoting his unforgiving and orthodox take on Christianity, as well as his oppressive grasp over Jane. While initially Jane perceives Mr Brocklehurst as h...

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...of control to enact his will over others. Due to St John’s adamancy on controlling her with religion, when she finally breaks his grip and experiences freedom, she is open once again to God and is no longer clouded by St Johns shroud of doubt/ crap about oppressiveness.

Throughout her novel, Charlotte Brontë demonstrates how religion can, in the hands of the corrupt, oppress (persecute), and yet in the hands of the honest (chaste) it can enlighten? Jane develops as a character as a result of her experiences with conflicting views on God, as she comes to see the world with a new meaning, influencing her actions and character. Since a young age, Jane had been in the presence of God and turned to Him many times, however, as she comes to achieve a greater understanding of God, and coming to her own conclusions, she is able to become close to Him than ever before.

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