"But where are you going to go Helen? Can you see? Do you know?"
"I believe; I have faith: I am going to God"
".. but now a gray marble tablet marks the spot, inscribed with her name, and the word "Resurgam.""
I think that throughout her time as a character in the novel, Helen has functioned as a Christ figure.
When she is first introduced, she is associated with light and Christ is known as the "light of the world." She is the light of Jane's world.
She constantly quotes the Bible and reminds Jane of what Jesus would do and how Christians are supposed to act.
When teachers are mean to her and pick on her, she respects them and says she appreciates their criticism, just as Christ said to "love your enemies." Helen even quotes this verse.
Jane and Helen talk about how Charles I, who they learn about in school, was killed by his enemies, even though he did no wrong to them, just like Christ was killed by the Romans when he did nothing wrong to them
Helen can also be seen as a Christ figure because she is a type of sacrifice. Her death is due to the poor conditions at Lowood which lead to her contracting typhus and dying. After her death, the school was investigated and put under new leadership. So, her death led to a better life for others.
The fact that her grave is marked with the word "Resurgam" also provides support for Helen being a Christ figure. "Resurgam," in Latin means "I shall rise again." And Jesus died and rose again.
No comments:
Post a Comment