In chapters six and eight, Jane and Helen discuss the proper attitude to take when faced with hardship. Though she is clearly impressed with Helen, Jane is uncomfortable with some of Helen’s opinions and how she uses religion to support them. How do you feel about Helen’s philosophy and Jane’s response to it?

I agree with Helen, although my first reaction would be to agree with Jane right away. It’s natural to feel like fighting back, standing up for yourself, and gaining some justice in an injustice situation, like Jane’s where she is being falsely accused. But, after that initial feeling subsides I would definitely take Helen’s approach. I’ve been taught to humble myself, not disobey authority even if they are wrong, to love my enemies as myself, and also that I don’t have to fight for self justice because only God knows my thoughts and my heart. Anyone can say anything to me, and if I’m in a position not to disrespect or disobey that person by talking back I always know they are not the one who determines my fate because they are not God.

It’s different now being older, however, because I’m more in a position to speak up for myself. My manager at work, my husband, and my parents are the people who have say in my life. It’s different then the way these two girls are being raised in this strict and very religious school. They don’t have a voice and are treated lowly. My manager, my husband, and my parents all have a say in my life but don’t treat me like these girls are being treated. There is two way communications and I’m allowed to defend myself and say what I think in a respectable and honoring way. There is freedom in this way.

If I were in Helen and Jane’s situation I would try to have Helen’s attitude, to “return good for evil…bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you and despitefully use you.” Helen also says that revenge never worries her heart and she lives in calm looking to the end. Helen can live with rest that she knows she’s done the right thing and the real judgment will come later from God who knows her heart fully, unlike the clergyman Mr. Brocklehurst and the rest of the teachers at the Lowood Institution. This humble way is definitely a more peaceful mentality to live by; you don’t have to worry about revenge and anger which will only make your life unhappy.