Character Traits:
* Gentle and Patient: Helen is remarkably patient and forgiving, even in the face of harsh treatment at Lowood Institution. She embodies kindness and compassion.
* Selfless and Uncomplaining: Helen prioritizes the well-being of others, putting their needs above her own. She accepts suffering with quiet dignity and avoids complaint.
* Religious and Stoic: Helen's strong faith provides solace and guides her actions. She believes in enduring hardship with a sense of purpose and resignation.
* Intellectual and Thoughtful: Despite her young age, Helen possesses a keen intellect and thoughtful approach to life. She engages in philosophical discussions with Jane and shares her insights.
Influence on Jane:
* Moral Compass: Helen serves as a moral compass for Jane, guiding her towards compassion, forgiveness, and strength in adversity.
* Sense of Purpose: Helen's unwavering faith and acceptance of suffering inspire Jane to find meaning in her own life.
* Importance of Self-Discipline: Helen demonstrates the importance of self-control and self-discipline, which Jane later internalizes and applies to her own life.
* Understanding of Social Inequality: Helen's experience of injustice at Lowood helps Jane understand the harsh realities of social inequality and the power dynamics within Victorian society.
Symbolic Significance:
* The Angel of Suffering: Helen embodies the archetype of the angel of suffering, a figure who endures hardship with grace and inspires others through their resilience.
* Contrast to Jane: Helen's gentle nature contrasts with Jane's fierceness and independent spirit, highlighting the different ways individuals cope with hardship.
Ultimately, Helen Burns is a crucial character in *Jane Eyre* as she provides Jane with valuable lessons about morality, faith, and the importance of self-sacrifice. Her death, though tragic, profoundly impacts Jane's development and helps shape her into the strong, independent woman she ultimately becomes.