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Explore how religious beliefs influence characters, in this extract and elsewhere in the novel - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 9 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 9
Explore how religious beliefs influence characters, in this extract and elsewhere in the novel. In this extract Mr Brocklehurst addresses the staff and pupils at Lo... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explore how religious beliefs influence characters, in this extract and elsewhere in the novel - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 9 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
How religious beliefs influence Jane
Answer
In the extract, Mr. Brocklehurst's speech highlights the negative influence of religious beliefs on Jane, painting her as a sinful being due to her background. His words reflect a harsh interpretation of religious dogma, which impacts both Jane's identity and her treatment by others.
Brocklehurst uses the Bible's authority to castigate Jane, labeling her as a 'little castaway.' This illustrates how religious beliefs can lead to prejudice and alienation rather than compassion. His stance creates a hostile environment for Jane, who is already marginalized due to her poverty and status as an orphan.
Additionally, throughout the novel, these beliefs manifest in the institutional control exercised at Lowood School, where religious parameters dictate personal behavior. Rather than promoting kindness, the school embodies a punitive approach to morality that affects all the students, including Jane, fostering an environment of fear and repression.
Step 2
How religious beliefs influence other characters
Answer
Other characters, like Helen Burns, offer a contrasting perspective on religious beliefs. Helen, despite her suffering, displays a form of acceptance rooted in her faith. She embodies a philosophy of forgiveness and resilience, suggesting that religious belief can provide comfort and strength in adversity. However, it also highlights the divergence in the characters' relationships with religion, showcasing both the oppressive and liberating potential of faith.
Helen influences Jane, demonstrating that faith can be a source of inner strength when aligned with compassion, unlike Brocklehurst’s interpretation, which leads to judgment and exclusion. This duality emphasizes the varying impacts of religious beliefs on individuals and community dynamics throughout the novel.