Who Is A True Christian? :: essays research papers

It appears that Jane has had a strong look 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 un adapted(p) 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 maturate enough 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 sign 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 change it and bumpher a new and clean one. Why must Mr. Brocklehurst beso harsh with such a young child? Would a truely Christian slice ever be so quick to condemn someone he doesntknow anything about?Eventually Jane moves to Lowood Institution, an old,drafty, dreary place. It is there that Jane comes to realizethat although Mr. Brocklehurst was able to put on a goodshow at Gateshead Hall about his religious beliefs, he islacking in basic human necessities. The meals that wereserved were ungenerous portions during some occasions itwas burned. Her knowledge of the shortcomings atLowood were supported when she over heard the teacherswhisper "Abominable stuff How Shameful"(Bronte,499).This situation along with the dreadfully rimed sleepingquarters show that Mr. Brocklehurst althoughknowledgeable in biblical psalms and parables had noconcern with the conditions these children lived in. Also,when Jane accidentally breaks her slate he punishes her bymaking her persist on a high stool as punishment. From thispoint onward in the novel, it is clear that Mr. Brocklehurstsymbolizes hypocrisy and insensitivity. In particular, Mr. Br ocklehurst was complaining aboutholes in stockings and enlarge the virtues of a goodChristian, he is interrupted by his fashionably dressed wifeand two daughters. Their ostrich plumes, beaver hats andfalse French curls contrast with the cold, enclothechildren huddling over a fire to keep warm. Obviously mostof the donated money is used to spoil his family, and notbeing used for what it was given for. Is this the behavior ofa true Christian? Jane doesnt not think so, but she is smartenough to disregard things she can not change and is ableto find a few role models that influence her development.