I had to struggle with my anachronistic dislike of St John Rivers' missionary zeal as well as his drive to dominate. Frankly, I wonder whether Brontë approves the former, given how Jane resists his efforts to rule her. Can you be a committed Christian in her world view without needing to impose it on others? Isn't missionary work always implicated in domination?
Well she clearly approves his devotion but Jane is a strong example of non imposing Christianity I think. The closing lines are hugely persuasive that she admires St John despite his religious and secular faults
I had to struggle with my anachronistic dislike of St John Rivers' missionary zeal as well as his drive to dominate. Frankly, I wonder whether Brontë approves the former, given how Jane resists his efforts to rule her. Can you be a committed Christian in her world view without needing to impose it on others? Isn't missionary work always implicated in domination?
Well she clearly approves his devotion but Jane is a strong example of non imposing Christianity I think. The closing lines are hugely persuasive that she admires St John despite his religious and secular faults