To what extent does Jane Eyre’s past affect her fate? :: English Literature

To what extend does Jane Eyre’s past affect her fate? Charlotte Brontà « uses many different ways to affect Jane Eyre’s fate. By giving Jane a difficult and tiresome childhood from a very young age it has an effect on her adult life. From a very early age Jane Eyre had a very unusual childhood. She started in a very unloving family with her aunts and cousins. She felt unloved and had a sense of refusal. Her cousin John beat her and she always hit back. When she did so, she was often caught and locked in the red room. Her auntie sent her to Loward boarding school. This was a very worrying time for Jane because already at the age of around 10 she has had no love and care in her life. The boarding school didn’t aid her in anyway. At boarding school Jane did not fit in. Again she was not cared for. She felt unsafe, unhappy, but does find her first friend. Helen Burns is a real turning point in Jane’s life. Jane really stood up for her new friend too. When Helen gets punished Jane stays with her. Little bits like this help to shape Jane into a Lady and who she will be when she is older. Jane’s new friend was a good believer in God. When Helen was very ill, Jane realises that Helen is in trouble and could die, Helen tells Jane what will happen when she dies. â€Å"I am very happy, Jane; and when you hear that I am dead, you must be sure and not grieve: there is nothing to grieve about.† This scene takes part in Helen’s bed, and is a very touching scene of the two girls bonding. The scene is clam and relaxed. By using long sentences, you can get a feel that Helen’s voice is soft, and that there is there are no interruptions. Helen goes on later to say, â€Å"I have only a father, and he is lately married, and will not miss me. By dying young, I shall escape great sufferings. I had not qualities or talents to make my way very well in the world: I should have been continually at fault† Jane and Helen have something in common here. The girls both have the sense that their families don’t love them and that they are in life on their own. But, now they have found each other, the girls are comforted that they are not the only ones. Helen has her own beliefs and opinions too. â€Å"†¦my Maker and yours, who will never destroy what He created. I rely