The Power of Unwavering Faith: Lessons from 'Jane Eyre' on Life and Death
"Where is God? What is God?" If someone were to ask you these questions, how would you respond? While everyone may have their own answers, one particular response caught my attention. It comes from the pages of the classic novel "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte.
"Jane Eyre" is an enduring masterpiece and a literary classic that follows the life of a young girl named Jane. During her time at a girls' school, she forms a friendship with a girl named Helen. Unfortunately, a fever breaks out in the school, and Helen falls ill. It becomes clear that her condition is grave and she is expected to pass away. Jane visits her, and it is during this visit that a significant conversation takes place between the two.
Exploring Faith and Belief in the Face of Death: Insights from 'Jane Eyre
"But where are you going to, Helen? Can you see? Do you know?"
"I believe; I have faith: I am going to God."
"Where is God? What is God?"
"My Maker and yours, who will never destroy what He created. I rely implicitly on His power, and confide wholly in His goodness: I count the hours till that eventful one arrives which shall restore me to Him, reveal Him to me."
"You are sure, then, Helen, that there is such a place as heaven, and that our souls can get to it when we die?"
"I am sure there is a future state; I believe God is good; I can resign my immortal part to Him without any misgiving. God is my father; God is my friend: I love Him; I believe He loves me." (Quote from Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, Chapter 9)
From these words, it becomes evident that Helen possesses a strong and unwavering faith in God. Despite facing her impending death, she does not express fear or sorrow. She does not question why she became sick or why she has to die at such a young age.
While many individuals may not believe in an afterlife, Helen's example demonstrates a belief in life beyond death. In the face of life's challenges, it is not uncommon for people to lose hope and faith. However, in the case of this young girl, even in her final moments, she exhibits remarkable strength in her unwavering belief in God.
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Exploring Faith and Existential Questions in Literature: Insights from Multiple Classics
While "Jane Eyre" offers profound insights into faith and the afterlife, other literary works also delve into similar themes. For instance, in Fyodor Dostoevsky's "The Brothers Karamazov," the character Ivan Karamazov wrestles with the existence of God and the problem of evil. His famous quote, "If God does not exist, everything is permitted," encapsulates the existential questions explored in the novel. By drawing connections between these literary works, we can delve deeper into the complexities of faith, mortality, and the human condition.
In addition to "The Brothers Karamazov," Leo Tolstoy's masterpiece, "War and Peace," presents thought-provoking reflections on faith and the afterlife. Through the character of Prince Andrei Bolkonsky, Tolstoy contemplates the existence of God and the significance of life's transient nature. Prince Andrei, wounded on the battlefield, experiences a transformative moment as he gazes at the starry night sky and ponders the vastness of the universe. He reflects, "Infinite space and the infinite divisibility of matter… seemed to him something majestic and incomprehensible, like heaven and earth. He meditated on the infinity of death, on the infinite insignificance, but also the infinite importance of everyone's actions." Tolstoy's words invite us to consider the interconnectedness of life, the eternal nature of the universe, and the profound impact of our choices.
By exploring these diverse literary works, we gain a broader understanding of the intricate relationship between faith, existence, and the afterlife. Through the profound insights and philosophical inquiries presented in classics like "Jane Eyre," "The Brothers Karamazov," and "War and Peace," we are encouraged to contemplate our place in the world, the nature of belief, and the mysteries that transcend our mortal lives.
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Jane Eyre is definitely one of my favorite books.
Reading it second time...