Who Helen Burns is
Helen Burns is a pupil at Lowood, the charity school Jane attends after leaving her aunt's house. A few years older than Jane, she becomes an important friend in a place marked by hunger and cold.
Helen is bookish and thoughtful, and her teacher Miss Scatcherd punishes her repeatedly. She accepts this treatment without complaint, leaving Jane both amazed by her patience and angry at what she endures.
What Helen Burns wants
Helen believes in forgiving enemies and trusting that a better world waits after this one. Her faith gives her a peace that Jane envies, even when Jane cannot agree with her response to cruelty.
Helen Burns and the others in the story
Helen and Jane speak openly about whether people should endure injustice or fight against it. Jane believes that cruelty must be resisted, while Helen offers a gentler understanding of endurance.
Their friendship gives Jane a view of faith unlike Mr Brocklehurst's use of religion to excuse harsh treatment. The contrast remains open, because Helen's patience brings peace but also seems to accept too much.
Questions
Who is Helen Burns in Jane Eyre?
Helen Burns is a thoughtful, patient girl who befriends Jane at Lowood School.
What does Helen Burns believe?
She believes people should forgive their enemies and trust in a better world beyond this life.
How does Helen Burns differ from Jane?
Helen bears cruelty calmly, while Jane feels that resisting it is necessary. Jane admires Helen's peace without fully accepting her willingness to endure punishment.
