Religion Through Spiritual Explorations in Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre

Religion Through Spiritual Explorations in Charlotte Brontes Jane EyreIn Jane Eyre, religion is embraced through a series of spiritualexplorations. Bronte portrays Janes character and zest for religionby revealing Janes transitions from Gateshead to Lowood, Lowood toThornfield, and Thornfield to Moor House. Jane ultimately rejectsevery one of these organized styles of worship. However, that does notmean that she rejects all their beliefs. She is forever changed by for each one experience and they have helped mold her view on religion and herrelationship with God. Each location plays a significant role in thedevelopment of Janes stead on religion. Jane struggles toacquire true faith in God, which will help her overcome the obstaclesof her nomadic life.Within Jane Eyre, Bronte shows a feeling of anti-Catholicism throughthe character of Jane?s cousin, Eliza Reed. The novel portrays Elizaas a picture of rigidityTwo young ladies appeared before me one very tall, almost as tall aslady fr iend Ingram,--very thin too, with a sallow face and severe mien. Therewas something ascetic in her look, which was augmented by the extremeplainness of a straight-skirted, black, stuff dress, a starched linencollar, hair combed away from the temples, and the nun-like ornamentof a string of ebony beads and a crucifix. (Bronte 228)Eliza had certainly taken on the ritualistic side of Catholicism.(Rife) She is described as a busy person, but it was difficult to saywhat she did or rather, to discover any result of her diligence(Bronte 234). Bronte had the same feelings toward the Catholic faith.Charlotte and numerous other English Protestants viewed Catholics aspeople who worshipped idols diligently, yet d... ...r himself. (Cashwell)As we can see, Jane is obviously affected by her experiences at eachof these different stages in her life. At Lowood she learned thestrict adherence to the apparitional and moral values that were taughtthere. Even though she may not have agreed with all o f them, they shaped her views on morality, shown in her experiences with Rochester. She also learned of sacrifice through St. John, who sacrificed truelove for the greater good of his religious calling. Bronte deals withquite a few religious topics and pretty much finds something wrongwith each form of Christianity. Jane finally finds a personalrelationship with God, and even though she may not agree with one ofthe forms of organized Christianity, she finally fells a spiritualinner peace.Works CitedBronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. Boston Bedford/St. Martins, 1996.