Many character's in this story shape the
society's thoughts and requirements. For example, the teacher at Lowood try too
hard to mold out of these girls a perfect christian girl, under the authority
of Mr.Brocklehurst. The teachers are unaware to the uniqueness of these girls
because are so busy focusing on how to make them perfect.
Bronte communicates these thoughts through
the punishments that were presented in the reading because of imperfection. Not
only cruel punishments, but also Mr. Bocklehurst justifying these actions with
religion to make them seem reasonable. Characters of Lowood are focusing so
much on punishments that there is no place to emphasis positive accomplishments
and well-being.
Mr. Brocklehurst character can be
connected to the aunts in the Handmaid's tale, as he forces a young girl to
stand on a stool among her fellow class mates to humiliate her, and make her
feel less worthy of the school. Just as, what the aunts did to the handmaid's
during the period of their training. This action is considered as bulling a
problem many children face by older children with less self-esteem. So, maybe
Mr. Brocklehurst lost his self-esteem and was trying to punish these girls for
his lost,under the justification that the school is trying to mold them into
perfect christian followers. "Punish her body to save her soul: if,
indeed, such salvation be possible" (Bronte).
For what we know about Mr. Brocklehurst's
character, we could imagine his family simple and modest, just as Jane. However
when they enter the room, they were complimented for their perfect artificial
curls and they were engulfed in silk. Even though, Mr. Brocklehurst tries to
create a generation of plan Janes, straight hair and simple clothing. However,
his family shows that what he wants of the girls does not reflect on his
family. Bronte shows how religious practices intend to enforce their religious
thoughts on other but not on themselves.
Bronte also comments on the different
class and shows how not only religious thoughts enforce certain cultural
differences. Also, that Mr. Brocklehurst's family is relatively wealthy based
on what was described of them, which shows that what your social class is gives
you permission to be who you are. Compared to the girls at Lowood who are forced
to wear and be, how the teachers and Mr. Brocklehurst wants them to be and look
as?
Jane presents the upper social class
influence on the lower class. For example, she is a young orphan girl, it is
assumed that she is somewhat at fault; therefore she must punished. The values
of this society are based upon Christianity and are used to justify cruel
punishments for the sake of better souls.
