Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre

Gaskell's Jane Eyre depicts English life in a similar way to ideas associated with English History at the time. Nineteen-century religion in England was typically characterized by the Anglican Church (Church of England) and the ongoing issue of whether to accept or simply ignore other forms of religion. Early on in the novel Gaskell examines how religion is very prevalent on the minds of the characters in the book. Margaret's father informs Margaret and her mother of his feelings of uncertainty in his faith and how he has to leave the church and their cozy life behind. This would seem to be the typical response by an adult (especially a school master) to a child displaying disrespect to the bible. Even today this would be an unacceptable attitude in many families if their child felt this way, but back then religion was held in the highest esteem. If someone was not interested or did not believe in the stories of the bible their moral character was judged to be distasteful or even wicked.

Lowood shows the harsh realities of what charity-school life was probably like during the time. Bronte paints a picture of the school being unsettling and unbearable much of the time.