Jane Eyre Hypocrisy Analysis

Mr. Brocklehurst displays hypocrisy as he states, “All liars will have their portion in the lake burning with fire and brimstone” (Brontë 32), because he takes money from Lowood to keep for his family. We see from Jane’s conversation with Mr. Brocklehurst, that she has at least a medium amount of religious views. She reads many books of the bible and has some opinions on them. In Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, religion plays a significant role in Jane’s life as a child at Gateshead; as a student and teacher at Lowood; and then as an adult at Thornfield, Moor House, Morton, and Ferndean Manor.

Helen Burns, a devote Christian, explains to Jane how she does not use violence during her scoldings: “Read the New Testament, and observe

what Christ says, and how he acts--make his word your rule, and his conduct your example” (Brontë 55). She soon says “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you; do good to them that hate you and despitefully use you” (Brontë 55). Complementary: Helen lives her life and accepts punishments in hope for happiness after death. On her deathbed, she even says, “I believe; I have faith: I am going to God” (Brontë 77).
Jane demonstrates the ability to keep her faith strong when she says, “I advise you to live sinless, and I wish you to die tranquil” (Brontë 296).

She says this in response to Mr. Rochester’s requests to staying with him as his mistress, even after she found out that he is currently married. Jane wants Mr. Rochester to let her go and let God do his work. This action in Jane attributes to what she learned from Helen Burns.

St John says, “Do you think God will be satisfied with half an oblation? Will He accept a mutilated sacrifice?” (Brontë 379), in reply to Jane when she requests to accompany him to India as a sister instead of a wife. In this response, it is obvious that St. John devotes himself to only Christianity. Previously in the novel, he goes as far as to ignore a rich lady who he loves and loves him. These actions show that he would sacrifice his happiness to remain do God’s work.

Each person Jane meets thinks differently about religion. Jane adopts certain parts from certain people to make her own beliefs and practices. When Jane forgives Mrs. Reed, she uses what Helen has told her in the past. Likewise, the role that religion plays in Jane’s life helps her to make decisions. She often based a large decision on what she learns from other people about God and from what God tells

her.