Why Is Religion Important In Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre is all about morality, so much so that one could say the author is attempting to teach readers about ethics. Each character seems to have a strong moral compass that dictates their sense of right and wrong which makes it easy for the reader to imagine what decisions the characters will later make in the novel. Religion comes into play throughout the novel in a way that shapes each character's morality for better or for worse. In Jane Eyre, we are presented with three religious figures: Helen Burns, Mr. Brocklehurst, and St. John Rivers. All three of these characters represent a religious model that Jane foregoes to develop her own ideas in relation to religion, morals, and the consequences each can result in. By including these three characters, Charlotte Bronte may be presenting the flaws others contain in regards to what religion means and how Jane's own religious compass differs from the norm set in the novel.
Helen’s own ideas in terms of religion are strikingly different than Jane’s. While Jane is shown questioning and looking for answers to what she shouldn't be questioning, Helen is sure of everything and has high faith in what she believes, the complete opposite of what Jane is. Helen is a foil character to Jane and is meant to oppose and highlight the different characteristics in Jane and other characters. A prime example of this occurs when Helen is on her deathbed, "By dying young, I shall escape great sufferings. I had not qualities or talents to make my way very well in the world: I should have been continually at