Jane Eyre Group

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puppylover
puppylover
Student
High School - 11th Grade

What is Jane's definition and view of goodness? What is Helen's definition and view of goodness?

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Posted by puppylover on Tuesday August 25, 2009 at 8:42 PM and tagged with goodness, helen, jane, jane eyre.

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  1. podunc Teacher
    College - Sophomore

    eNotes Editor

    In a conversation in Volume I, Chapter VI of the novel, Jane and Helen reveal their divergent world views. Jane seems to view justice and love as the two greatest goods--she holds to the "eye for an eye" doctrine in human dealings. She explains to Helen that "it is natural that I should love those who show me affection," but also believes that "when we are struck at without a reason, we should strike back again very hard."

    Helen, on the other hand, holds a Christian world view based on the teachings of the New Testament. She tells Jane that they are commanded to "love their enemies" and to model their behavior after that of Christ. For Helen, obedience and submission constitute true goodness.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/jane-eyre
    http://www.enotes.com/jane-eyre/characters

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    Posted by podunc on Tuesday October 6, 2009 at 10:53 AM