theme 4 religion n morality

janes morality

janes assertion of i will keep the law underscores her beleif of morality coming from divinde law as opposed to socitetal normsas.bronte uses parallism in the qoute given by god to contrast ''sancitoned by man'' which empahsises the distinction between spriirtal and social moralityuggesting that Jane is guided by her personal conscience rather than societal expectations. The assertive diction of “I will keep the law” reinforces Jane’s moral clarity and independence, emphasizing her rejection of external authority. this decleration highlights her refusal to not allowing socital judgemntal ideoglgies into shaping her actions
bronte invites the reader to reflect on the nature of auethentic morality by ecnocruaging readers to question sources of their own moral sugments whtehter socitety or personal integirty should infleucne ones actions.in victorian england morality was tied toward social andreligous insititons with figures like mr borckulshurst enforcing religon onto jane who confidently pushed them awya due to her own morals which overrides what others may think.

Through this metaphorical contrast of divine and social law, Brontë critiques how religious morality was often manipulated in Victorian England to enforce social hierarchies. Jane’s rejection of these hypocritical moral codes affirms her spiritual autonomy and moral integrity, positioning her as a figure who is not swayed by figures like Mr. Brocklehurst, who use religion for social control. Jane embodies the conflict between personal conscience and oppressive societal structures.

Brontë’s use of rhetorical devices like parallelism and metaphor encourages the reader to reflect on the difference between authentic morality and a morality defined by external forces.

heleens religious

In the poignant words of Helen Burns, “I must keep in good health and not die,” Brontë presents a tragic example of religious fatalism. Helen, resigned to her suffering, represents a passive Christian ideal that emphasizes submission to God’s will without question. The irony of her statement is devastating, as it highlights her quiet acceptance of illness and death, contrasting sharply with Jane’s active moral will to live and fight for her happiness. Brontë uses Helen’s stoic acceptance of her fate to critique a form of Christianity that prioritizes passivity over spiritual autonomy. While Jane embodies a more active approach to morality, where decisions are guided by personal conscience, Helen’s response represents a fatalistic mindset that leaves little room for individual action or moral agency. In contrast, Jane’s ethical decision-making is defined by her desire to actively engage with life, choosing to resist oppression and follow her own moral compass. Through Helen’s tragic resignation, Brontë critiques a religious ideal that stifles individual agency, celebrating Jane’s passionate pursuit of ethical independence and the will to change her circumstances.

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