Christian Symbolism in Jane Eyre Essay

In Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte, Helen Burns symbolizes the life and mind of Christ in order to help Jane deal with the cruelty she has faced in her childhood, and how to make herself happier when dealing with her future fate. Helen is often reprimanded for various things by the teachers in Lowood, and receives the brunt end of the wrath of some of the more vicious teachers, such as Mrs. Scatcherd. Whereas Christ died for the sins of the world, Helen often takes the punishment for the rest of the girls. Her acceptance of this fate is revealed during the conversation between Jane and Helen in which Helen explains her beliefs.

The first thing Helen does is to reject the beliefs that Jane holds for similar situations. Where Jane claims that it is natural to resist those who punish me unjustly, Helen rebuffs it saying Heathens and savage tribes hold that doctrine; but Christians and civilized nations disown it. Instead, Helen tells her to, Read the New Testament, and observe what Christ says, and how he acts make his word your rule, and his conduct your example. Helen advises Jane to follow the path of Christ and to not feel hate towards Mrs. Reed and anyone else who treats her unjustly. Would you not be happier if you tried to forget her severity, together with the passionate emotions it excited? Here Helen is telling Jane that she should forget about the horrible things Mrs. Reed has done towards her in order to lead a more peaceful life. It will in return make Jane much happier and allow her to forget her hurt and pain. Helen like Jesus Christ forgives people for the cruelties done to them. Even up to the moments of his death, he asks God to forgive the men who have condemned him. Helen believes that this view on life allows her to distinguish between the criminal and his crime so she can forgive the first and abhor the last. This is another belief which is strong through Christ. He always forgave the criminal but not the crime, because every man is a child of God. She claims that this belief extends hope to all, by making Eternity a rest a mighty home, not a terror and an abyss. She feels that her doctrine is the best and only way to live as one of Gods children.