Commentary and discussion of Jane Eyre, a novel by Charlotte Brontë. Contributors include Honors English 10 students at American Canyon High School.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
St. John Rivers' Calling
The proposal may be a surprise, but the impulse is good, right? Or is it? Do you think that the missionary zeal that St. John shows gives a positive view of Christianity? Is he an admirable character, a positive religious model?
Yes, I beleive St. John is a very religious missionary devoted to good morals of Christianity such as helping the poor. Just as Helen Burns had done for Jane, St. John is a spiritual idol whom effects Jane's life and the way she visualizes the world. St. John is a possitive religious model and an admireable character in my veiw, however many of the characters in the book have surprising secrets, so who knows the true nature of his feelings towards God? He is willing to sacrifice his love for Rosamond because he sees her as not fit to be a missionary's wife; he chooses his devotion to God over his admiration to Rosamond, so I do not beleive he is hiding any astonishing secrets like Mr. Rochester was.
One outstanding feature of St. John is his adherence towards faith. He applies this to his relationship with Jane by offering her a chance to accompany him on his journey to India as a missionary. St. John is constantly complimenting Jane and pointing out her positive traits in order to flatter her for a favorable decision. He thinks this will work; but what he lacks, I believe, is passion. He preaches humility and devoting oneself to God, but he appears cold and austere. Jane, having experienced the joyful Rochester, is frustrated with a man who is solemn yet desires to have her hand in marriage. St. John is ambitious to live a life of religious purpose, and this is what spurred the impulse to propose to Jane: he wished for a companion along the way.
Yes, I beleive St. John is a very religious missionary devoted to good morals of Christianity such as helping the poor. Just as Helen Burns had done for Jane, St. John is a spiritual idol whom effects Jane's life and the way she visualizes the world. St. John is a possitive religious model and an admireable character in my veiw, however many of the characters in the book have surprising secrets, so who knows the true nature of his feelings towards God? He is willing to sacrifice his love for Rosamond because he sees her as not fit to be a missionary's wife; he chooses his devotion to God over his admiration to Rosamond, so I do not beleive he is hiding any astonishing secrets like Mr. Rochester was.
ReplyDeleteOne outstanding feature of St. John is his adherence towards faith. He applies this to his relationship with Jane by offering her a chance to accompany him on his journey to India as a missionary. St. John is constantly complimenting Jane and pointing out her positive traits in order to flatter her for a favorable decision. He thinks this will work; but what he lacks, I believe, is passion. He preaches humility and devoting oneself to God, but he appears cold and austere. Jane, having experienced the joyful Rochester, is frustrated with a man who is solemn yet desires to have her hand in marriage. St. John is ambitious to live a life of religious purpose, and this is what spurred the impulse to propose to Jane: he wished for a companion along the way.
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