Who Is A True Christian? :: essays research papers

It appears that Jane has had a strong belief in God, but sheseems to have a more wholesome and wholehearted beliefthan some other characters in the novel. In the beginning ofthe novel young Jane is painfully rejected by her aunt, aswell as her son and daughter.She is unable to alter the dailypattern of abuse and neglect. This makes it obvious that shedid not live as a member of a truly Christian family, but shewas mature sufficient to develop her own beliefs throughdaily prayers and biblical readings.Further in the story, she meets Mr. Brocklehurst for thefirst time and interviews Jane about sin, hell and the Bible.At one school principal in the conversation he asks her if she knowsany psalms, she replies that "Psalms are not interesting(Bronte,490). This proves to Mr. Brocklehurst that she hasa wicked heart, and must pray to God to tack it and giveher a new and clean one. Why must Mr. Brocklehurst beso harsh with such a young child? Would a truely Christianman ever be so qu ick to objurgate someone he doesntknow anything about?Eventually Jane moves to Lowood Institution, an old,drafty, dismal place. It is there that Jane comes to realizethat although Mr. Brocklehurst was able to put on a fullshow at Gateshead Hall about his religious beliefs, he is missing in basic human necessities. The meals that wereserved were meager portions during some occasions itwas burned. Her companionship of the shortcomings atLowood were supported when she over heard the teacherswhisper "Abominable throw How Shameful"(Bronte,499).This situation along with the dreadfully cold sleeping quarter show that Mr. Brocklehurst althoughknowledgeable in biblical psalms and parables had no refer with the conditions these children lived in. Also,when Jane accidentally breaks her slate he punishes her bymaking her stand on a high stool as punishment. From thispoint onward in the novel, it is clear that Mr. Brocklehurstsymbolizes hypocrisy and insensitivity. In particular, Mr . Brocklehurst was complaining aboutholes in stockings and clarify the virtues of a goodChristian, he is interrupted by his fashionably dressed(p) wifeand two daughters. Their ostrich plumes, beaver hats andfalse French curls descent with the cold, underdressedchildren huddling over a fire to keep warm. Obviously virtuallyof the donated money is used to spoil his family, and notbeing used for what it was inclined for. Is this the behavior ofa true Christian? Jane doesnt not work out so, but she is smartenough to disregard things she can not transfigure and is ableto find a few role models that influence her development.