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Juliana to answer this question..If St. John was completely taken out of the book, which character do you think Charlotte Bronte would end her story with?
I believe if Bronte did not end on St. John, she would have ended on Helen. Helen was only in the book for three chapters but she made a TREMENDOUS impact on Jane. She is also a character that is strong in her faith so she would also wrap up the book on a Christian note.Jane Eyre’s ending with St. John’s note is quite confusing unless one is told why it is like that. It is actually quite a brilliant method for Charlotte Bronte to use to reach out to the audience. St. John’s message is able to bring back what Helen says from when Jane was younger: there is hope for everyone.
I think that Jane telling us what St. John’s life in India was like gives us a glimpse at what Jane’s life could have been, and also summarizes the novel as well. St. John’s journey in India definitely portrays the life of Jane Eyre, just as the blogger says above.
Question: Do you think that the ending would have been more effective if Jane mentioned Helen?
• I believe why Bronte ended with St. John instead of Jane was because she wanted to show how Jane would have ended up and to leave the reader with not just the happy aspect of the story but also leave the impression of trials that could have been. If Jane had married St. John it would not have been out of love, but rather just to get married and not tempt him from his work. John was Helen he taught her about acceptance and love, and also convicted her for not marrying him. If St. John was actually in love with her how do you think the story would end? Mr. Rochester still or St. John?
If Bronte ended on a different character, who would that be and why? (a lot of people seemed to ask this question..so I’m not sure who to cite.)
I think that Jane should have mentioned something about Helen. Her name would have made the ending clearer, because St. John’s note confuses many readers. However, his message is the same as Helen’s, so in a way, she does get to make her appearance at the end of Jane Eyre.
@ Noreensmiles
I think the novel was effective as it was because St John was a reappearance of Helen and also if she had mentioned Helen I believe it would not have been as mysterious as leaving St. John in the ending.I believe the Novel ends with St.John because of all the symbolism she placed in the book from the Bible. The ending would not have tied the book together if it did not end with St. John The blogger who said the novel had more morals than just those of a religion. Charlotte Bronte is a true example of a believer who uses their gifts for God. Her gift with writing stories enabled her to get the message across of eternal salvation. She even quoted the Bible giving a small biblical allegory to end the novel with. With all of the references to the bible, it would be disappointing for the story to end on a less important note. How do you think the novel would be perceived if it ended on the idea of Jane finding love?
@sarsampow
I think Jane would have not met up with Mr.Rochester if St.John really loved her. St.John was the more logical spouse. Jane probably would have died on a missionary trip with St.John. Mr. Rochester if he had not met up with Jane would most likely live the rest of his days alone.The ultimate reason why I think Bronte ended her story with the death of St. John is because it is a mixed up fairytale. Nothing is exactly a happy ending. Jane is living with a mutant Mr. Rochester and St. John is dead. I also think it ended with St. John for everyone to see how different Jane’s life would have been if she had lived with him. It gives the reader a comparison. Which one would they have chosen? It makes me think that I would have chosen to stay with St. John.
I think that if Bronte ended her novel with any other character, it could have been Mason. Mason played such an important role in the story and if he had not been there there would be no story. Also, Mason really made the story of Rochester and Jane more exciting and much more dramatic. That is one question that I feel is left unanswered what does Mason do in response to his sister’s death and does he go mad himself?
The ultimate reason why the story ended with St. John is because he helps reveal Helen’s all around purpose in the story. He shows how Jane matured her veiw of God and Heaven. Also Jane was intrigued by St John’s character and his passion for God and missions. He was the type of person Jane needed to remember what Helen said and to go forward and put it in her life. It left her with hope and encouragement for the future.
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