Victorian Literature

             When considering the debatable relevance/irrelevance of the study of nineteenth century literature to students today, works of the Victorian era, such as Charlotte Bronte's classical masterpiece, Jane Eyre, can be used as an example. Jane Eyre contains such issues as religion, the role of women and morality during the Victorian Era. It is through the relevance of these issues that one can judge the appropriate/inappropriate study of nineteenth century literature in today's society.
             Through the use of her characters, Charlotte Bronte's novel Jane Eyre, clearly demonstrates the nineteenth century's peoples sense of Christian duty. Such blind devotion and faith in God is clearly evident in almost all of the characters in Jane Eyre. When comparing the importance of Christianity in the Victorian Era to that of today, it is obvious that religion in general has, not become less important, but has become less a part of a persons daily routine. This is shown clearly in the following passage from the novel; "The meal over, prayers were read by Miss Miller, and the classes filed off..." (Bronte: Jane Eyre. Page: 36). This quote from the novel suggests that in the Victorian Era Christianity was not unlike a daily chore, observed every morning after breakfast and before the beginning of the day. In Jane Eyre it also becomes obvious that Christianity is widely used in rebuke of a person or as punishment. "...God has graciously given her the shape that He has given to all of us;...Who would think that the Evil One had already found a servant and agent in her?" (Bronte: P 56). This speech was addressed to Jane at Lowood where she experienced great shame and grief. If something similar to this were to happen to someone today it would almost certainly not cause any prolonged anger or suffering and definitely not exclusion from any social circles, (as was intended to be the case with Jane). Therefore ...

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Victorian Literature. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 04:51, March 29, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/37500.html