Helen Burns is an extremely interesting character. Puting aside the fact, for a moment, that she is dead, let us examine her in the beginning. A quiet girl who has learned to take her pain in stride. One who accepts punishment.....if she were a modern day girl, it would be easy to see her being pushed around by the popular girls or taken advantage of by a creepy guy. She also seems to be the "omega" in this sense: the scapegoat for everything the teachers could possibly think of; picked on relentlessly. Why must the adults be so cruel to her? What has she done besides do their bidding in a quiet, no-fuss way? She even acknowledges the mistakes she makes, and her inner flaws. For a young women to do that in such a situation and only silently say, "It is something I can improve upon", is a sign of maturity far beyond her years. As a wise woman once said, "Courage does not always roar; sometimes it is that quiet voice at the end of the day whispering, 'I will try again tomorrow.'"
In a sense, she is a good example for Jane: strong and willful, but not in a violent, persistent way. Helen pushes back with her own form of dignity, a silent protest, such as in the way she thinks of the world and her own beliefs in God. Even so, Jane can also teach Helen the meaning of a fighter. Jane is strong-willed and stubborn, wishing to be flexible only when she is rewarded for it. Brave, yes, but considerably harder to deal with then Helen. Helen could teach Jane the importance of a silent fight, rather then being dragged forward kicking and screaming.
Despite her death and very small reference in the book, Helen has left a lasting impression on Jane that, I think, will become more apparent as Jane grows up.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
I'm glad you chose to zero in on Helen's character, and I think your speculation there at the end will prove justified--that despite Helen's death, her 'doctrine of endurance' will resonate with Jane on through the novel (of course, we already have a hint of this when Jane tells us that--much later--that tombstone was erected on Helen's grave, by Jane herself, we can only assume). In any event, a good post! (Sorry I've been a little slow on responding). Write more!
Post a Comment