Hi all!
One character that I find really fascinating but also baffling is Helen Burns. Part of me really admires her but the other part really just wants to shake her and say "Stop being so passive! Stand up for yourself!"
I really enjoyed Helen's little speech to Jane about forgiveness and the ability to let go on page 49. Jane has just finished telling Helen the history of her sufferings and Helen says to her:
"What a singularly deep impression her (Mrs. Reed's) injustice seems to have made on your heart! No ill-usage so brands its record on my feelings. Would you not be happier if you tried to forget her severity, together with the passionate emotions it excited? Life appears to me too short to be spent in nursing animosity, or registering wrongs."
I think these are very wise words. Helen has probably experienced resentment and pent-up anger just as Jane has, but she has learned to master these feelings and not let them control or torment her any longer. However, I think Helen's technique of letting go would actually do more harm than good for Jane. I think that these feelings of anger and frustration drive Jane to make a better life for herself. These feelings do not hold her back from success, and instead propel her forward.
I definitely agree with you, Anna! As I chose the same page in the novel it shows that no matter what happens or what is said it shouldn't get us down. I like what you said at the ending of your post as well " These feelings do not hold her back from success and intstead propel her forward" and feel that we all could use that in our day to day life. I know I sure could because what people say truly doesn't matter and it should give us more inspiration in ourselves regardless of who tries to bring us down. Thank you for what you wrote; it was enjoyable to read!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with that assessment. One thing to think about with Helen, that we need to remember too, is that she has been sick. She is not physically as strong as Jane. Her illness may be one of the reasons that she does not fight back against the harsh punishment that she gets from the teachers at Lowood. Her belief that she is going to a better place and she should prepare herself for that must be in the forefront of her mind.
ReplyDeleteAwwee, thank you for the kind words, Elizabeth! I definitely agree that we need more Helen in our lives.
ReplyDeleteThe face that Helen's advice seems both right and wrong--especially when applied to Jane, is something worth continuing to think about!
ReplyDelete