Jane_Eyre-_Response_to_Lit

Madison Kilgore 12-20-10 P.5 Jane Eyre: Then and Now The book Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte tells the story of a girl, Jane, her life, and the struggles and changes she goes through to become the woman she is now. Once Jane is sent to school at Lowood she meets a friend, Helen Burns, who teaches Jane many important life lessons on faith, love, and most importantly Jane’s treatment of her Aunt Reed, the woman who raised her and the subject of all her hatred. The influence of Helen changes Jane, especially in her treatment of Mrs. Reed because Helen teaches Jane forgiveness and respect. Through Helen, Jane learns forgiveness; Most importantly in regards to her aunt, Mrs. Reed whom she once despised. “I am glad you are no relation of mine. I will never call you aunt again as long as I live,” (34). In this outburst of emotion from Jane at age 10, she swears never to call Mrs. Reed “aunt” again. She tells Mrs. Reed this after years of abuse, neglect, and mistreatment from the Reed family. This makes you consider whether or not Jane will actually keep this promise to herself, or will she forgive her aunt for all of her wrongdoings. After being sent to school, Helen teaches Jane forgiveness, and to “love your enemies.” Keeping this in mind, Jane returns to Gateshead years later. “It is I, Aunt Reed,” (254), is what Jane tells her dying Aunt at their reunion after 10 years of separation. Though she swore not to call her “aunt” again, Jane forgives Mrs. Reed’s actions and regrets some of her own as a child. Helen teaches Jane forgiveness toward her aunt as well as respect. Jane learns the importance of respect to her Aunt Reed. “People think you a good woman, but you are bad, hard hearted. You are deceitful!” (33). Jane lashes out at Mrs. Reed calling her “deceitful” due to the fact Mrs. Reed tells Mr. Brocklehurst that Jane is a liar and is deceitful. She was being completely disrespectful toward Mrs. Reed. Though she had good reason to be angry, Jane should have handled this situation in a more respectful manner. She learns how to handle things and be respectable from Helen. Prior to meeting with her aunt, Jane remembers the teachings of Helen Burns. “I thought of Helen Burns, recalled her dying words—her faith—her doctrine of the equality of disembodied souls,” (254). Helen is always with Jane and has changed her outlook, forgiveness level, and respect for her Aunt Reed. When she does in fact reunite with Mrs. Reed, she finds out that her aunt had been hiding a big secret. A letter from Jane’s biological uncle from three years back stating that he wanted to officially adopt Jane as his own. Though shocked and disappointed that it took her three years to learn of this letter, Jane is calm and respectful to her Aunt. A situation like this really shows the maturity and respectfulness gained from Helen. Many experiences and people in her life have shaped and changed Jane as a person, but by far the most influential was Jane’s dear friend, Helen Burns. By showing Jane the importance of forgiveness and respect in life, Jane grew to become a better person, especially in her treatment of her Aunt Reed.