Religion can be very complicated because it is possible to have many different views, perspectives and values, even within the same religion. Jane Eyre demonstrates this point, as Charlotte Bronte criticizes various forms and interpretations Christianity. Jane, the protagonist, is faced with difficult choices throughout the novel. Jane meets many religious figures throughout the novel, including Helen Burns and Mr. Brocklehurst. Jane is able to identify with one of the three religions, and she ultimately comes to her own beliefs and decisions. Jane is a devoted Christian who rejects Brocklehurst and St. John’s monotonous duty – following. She does not agree with Helen’s ascetic mentality. Bronte might be undermining Christianity’s purpose and meaning by portraying these characters and Jane’s interaction. Bronte refers to Christian values by doing this. Robert Brocklehurst displays a hypocritical and self-righteous view on Christianity. He uses religion as a justification for Lowood’s treatment of the children. Brocklehurst claims that students are practicing the “Christian” virtues humility and self-sacrifice. He also preaches punishment to save the soul. His methods claim to be able to get rid of students’ egos but the methods he used to humiliate, manipulate and control them are totally un-Christian. He even makes one student cut her hair to show humility. These values are important for the children in order to be “Children of Grace”, but he doesn’t live by them. His self-righteousness and hypocrisy are evident when, during his lecture on being humble, his daughters appear to be “plendidly dressed” in silk, velvet, and furs. His family’s financial status gives them the God-given right of living lavishly. However, Lowood’s poor children must dress themselves in shame-facedness (Bronte 118). Jane is a Christian who believes everyone should be equal before God. Jane has a self-righteous perspective on Christianity. Rochester hears this and she responds by saying, “We stood at God’s foot, equal,- as we were!” Jane and Rochester, while society may not consider them equal because of their class or gender, Jane insists that God regards them both equally regardless. Jane believes that all human beings are equal and Jane condemns Brocklehurst for her “Christianity”. John Rivers displays a blind and unwavering belief in Christianity. He is very self-disciplined, and he puts his faith above all else. He tends to focus on the spiritual side of things, and not the physical. He is a “strange, bitter and unconsolatory gentleman,” which indicates that although he seems to enjoy the work of a clergyman, it is hard for him to enjoy it. Jane is apprehensive about St. John’s faith in Christianity because he does not seem to enjoy the mental serenity and inward content that should be the reward for all sincere Christians. Jane is shown the most striking example of St. John’s self-abnegated Christianity in his proposal to him. He will forgo Rosamond’s personal pleasures and feelings in return for his religious ambitions to become a missionary in India. Jane’s refusal to accept St. John’s proposal can also be interpreted as Bronte rejecting this view of religion. She would have chosen her religious duties over what she truly desired. She realises that St. John may be happy with the reward, but she wants to live her dreams. The book stresses the importance of balancing religion and personal lives. Jane finds Helen Burns a kind friend, but Jane doesn’t want her ascetic and submissive religion. Helen is an example of a Christianity that values patience and acceptance. Helen, like St. John, believes in God’s judgement and is certain that death will lead to happiness. (Bronte, 129) She believes that happiness is best found in death, rather than in living. Helen, who is conscious of the injustice she and other Lowood employees have endured, dismissed it. “Degradation never too deeply disgusts or crushes” (Bronte 107). In the hope that she will be rewarded with eternal happiness after her death, she doesn’t dwell on the toxic aspects of her life. Jane, on the other hand, is not willing to forgive others who have wronged him. Jane feels that she “must resist [her] unjustly…should love those [and] give punishment when I feel it is due,” which shows her belief in standing against injustice and creating a better world for all. Jane’s questioning Helen’s forebearingness at her deathbed shows Bronte’s critique of the passive Christian mindset. Jane’s inability grasp Helen’s ideologies further exemplifies Bronte’s view of the human body and encourages happiness in the moment, instead of waiting for God to decide in death. Jane Eyre shows Charlotte Bronte’s misinterpretation and portrayal religion in various characters. Jane doesn’t accept the practiced Christianity of Brocklehurst and Helen as true Christianity. Jane doesn’t accept Brocklehurst, St. John, Helen, and St. John’s selfless and exploitative views. She also rejects St. John’s selflessness and his acceptance of cruelty. Jane’s spiritual journey has led her to believe in equality for all people and that religious and personal needs must be balanced. Jane gains a greater understanding of religion, but it doesn’t compromise her personal goals and pleasures. Bronte’s story is similar to Jane’s in many ways. This may lead us to believe that Jane represents Jane’s personal beliefs and Jane her religious views. Works cited

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. Planet PDF is a website that provides access to PDF files.

“Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.” Enotes.com, Enotes.com, https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/how-charlotte-bronte-s-life-reflected-through-jane-12291.