Religion in "Jane Eyre ", Charlotte Bronte

Charlotte Bronte addresses the theme of Religion in the novel Jane Eyre using many characters as symbols. Bronte states, 'Conventionality is not morality. Self-righteousness is not religion'(preface v). In Jane Eyre, Bronte supports the theme that customary actions are not always moral through the conventional personalities of Mrs. Reed, Mr. Brocklehurst, and St. John Rivers. The novel begins in Gateshead Hall when Jane must stay away from her aunt and cousins because she does …

…cold. Bronte uses Mr.Rochester as a contrast to Mrs. Reed, Mr. Brocklehurst, and St. John Rivers. Mr. Rochester changes his conventional ways, and then is able to live a more moral and happy life. The characters Mrs. Reed, Mr. Brocklehurst, and St. John lead their lives in conventional and self-righteous ways and Bronte portrays them to be corrupt. This idea supports the main theme in JaneEyre, 'Conventionality is not morality. Self-righteousness is not religion'.