Jane Eyre and Helen Burns Comparison
Jane Eyre and Helen Burns are best friends at Lowood, but they both see the world differently. Each one is treated individually and handles their punishments in their own way. They both cherish their faith, but it can’t exactly solve all their problems in life. That is why they turn to each other and be supportive throughout their time at Lowood. Even though the school isn’t fair and is tough on the girls, they still manage to stay true to themselves.
To begin with, Jane and Helen have different personalities. Jane is more of a rebel, while Helen prefers to just go with the flow. Jane has a sense of self-worth, dignity, a commitment to justice and principle, a trust in god, and a passionate disposition. She is also an intelligent, honest, plain-featured firl forced to contend with oppression, inequality, and hardship. Meanwhile, Helen manifests a certain strength and intellectual maturity. Like Jane, Helen is restlessly imaginative and ornery. Although, Helen’s submissive and ascetic nature highlights Jane’s headstrong character. Both Jane and Helen are orphans that long for a home and fair treatment. Helen believes that she will find her home in Heaven rather than Northern England, while Jane longs for love and freedom.
With this in mind, Jane does not like it when people treat her poorly, so she’s always ready to strike back. Helen doesn’t like receiving cruel punishment either, but she prefers to just accept it because she knows it’s never going to stop. She endures her miserable life with a passive dignity that Jane can’t understand. Jane struggles to find others who understand her. Helen in some ways is a more mature version of Jane because of the way she handles situations and pushes her way through life.
Above all, both girls turn to their faith to help them endure their life at Lowood. Helen represents a mode of Christianity that stresses tolerance and acceptance. She trusts her own faith and turns the other...