Who Is A True Christian? :: essays research papers

It appears that Jane has had a strong belief in God, but she seems to have a more wholesome and wholehearted belief than some other characters in the novel. In the beginning of the novel young Jane is painfully rejected by her aunt, as well as her son and daughter.She is unable to alter the daily pattern of abuse and neglect. This makes it obvious that she did not live as a member of a truly Christian family, but she was mature enough to develop her own beliefs through daily prayers and biblical readings. Further in the story, she meets Mr. Brocklehurst for the first time and interviews Jane about sin, hell and the Bible. At one point in the conversation he asks her if she knows any psalms, she replies that "Psalms are not interesting (Bronte,490). This proves to Mr. Brocklehurst that she has a wicked heart, and must pray to God to change it and give her a new and clean one. Why must Mr. Brocklehurst be so harsh with such a young child? Would a truely Christian man ever be so quick to condemn someone he doesn’t know anything about? Eventually Jane moves to Lowood Institution, an old, drafty, dreary place. It is there that Jane comes to realize that although Mr. Brocklehurst was able to put on a good show at Gateshead Hall about his religious beliefs, he is lacking in basic human necessities. The meals that were served were meager portions; during some occasions it was burned. Her knowledge of the shortcomings at Lowood were supported when she over heard the teachers whisper "Abominable stuff! How Shameful!"(Bronte,499). This situation along with the dreadfully cold sleeping quarters show that Mr. Brocklehurst although knowledgeable in biblical psalms and parables had no concern with the conditions these children lived in. Also, when Jane accidentally breaks her slate he punishes her by making her stand on a high stool as punishment. From this point onward in the novel, it is clear that Mr. Brocklehurst symbolizes hypocrisy and insensitivity. In particular, Mr. Brocklehurst was complaining about holes in stockings and expounding the virtues of a good Christian, he is interrupted by his fashionably dressed wife and two daughters. Their ostrich plumes, beaver hats and false French curls contrast with the cold, underdressed children huddling over a fire to keep warm. Obviously most of the donated money is used to spoil his family, and not being used for what it was given for. Is this the behavior of a true Christian? Jane doesn’t not think so, but she is smart enough to disregard things she can not change and is able to find a few role models that influence her development.