Jane Eyre- Too Good to be True?

 If Helen Burns seems "too good to be true" to you, how does that reflect on either the narrator's perception or the author's development of character? Are there other characters in the first 8 chapters that seem too "flat" to you? What expectations do you have of the balance of the novel, given the characters you've met so far?

 Jane's perception of Helen Burns is clear. Jane sees Helen to be an odd character without rebellion inside of her. Instead, Jane views Helen as the most obedient and good person she knows, and yet, Helen reflects upon herself as a monster without control. The development of this character, Helen, is only a first impression. I predict we will see Helen's darker side through more of the story. Another character who seems to be similar is Miss Scatcherd who seems too mean! I believe that she has a nice side, but it is probably buried by some past hate or regret about someone or something. - Marnelle Mac Dula

I agree with Marnelle's statement about Helen viewing herself as a monster because Jane judges Helen as weird from the fact that she accepts their vicious teacher, Miss Scatcherd's criticism. Miss Temple, the kind superintendent of Lowood School treats Jane, Helen, and others with respect. It could be said that Helen and Miss Temple have the same sort of personality. In this case, if Helen is "too good to be true", then Miss Temple could possibly be the same. As the story goes on, if we see the other, darker side of Helen, then we will see the darker side of Miss Temple. - Andre Pautin 


Based on what Marnelle and Andre said, different views throughout characters are stated. Helen and Jane seem to be on different pages when it comes to their personal opinion of each other. Burns seems to be that obedient, Christ driven girl, but may have some evil thought burning within the inside. A person may be able to show happiness on the outside, but no one really knows their true feelings. Like what Andre quoted, " As the story goes on, if we see the other, darker side of Helen, then we will see the darker side of Miss Temple. " The saying " Don't judge a book by it's cover " addresses this situation because once you get to know a person, they will surprise you by showing the real side of them. - Ila Sahagun