- "'Cruel? Not at all! She is severe: she dislikes my faults.' ... 'It is far better to endure patiently a smart which nobody feels but yourself, than to commit a hasty action' ... 'It is weak and silly to say you cannot bear what it is your fate to be required to bear.'" (p. 55-56)
Helen Burns, Jane Eyre's closet friend at Lowood Institute, was admired for being extremely intelligent, religious, and content. Despite her maltreatment at Lowood, Helen would continually remain calm and accept her punishment without any disagreement. Helen justifies her punishments while Jane doesn't find it allowable. Charlotte Bronte introduces two characters who have contrasting ways of approaching or viewing unjust actions. The significance in the contrasts shows Jane that she must not always rebel or lash-out against her punishment. Although Jane cannot understand Helen's justifications, she still respects her. Helen's differing character introduces Jane to a some-what better, more mature way to handle opposing views. However, perhaps witnessing Helen's tranquil attitude may have influenced Jane's outspoken character.
double check the spelling and punctuation in here; what if you had one more line just trying to wrap up this purpose idea -- what did Bronte put these two contrasts in there? you hint at it -- I wonder what would happen if you come right out and say it
ReplyDelete