In "Jane Eyre," who acts as the moral guide for the main character?

In "Jane Eyre," Helen Burns serves as a significant moral guide for Jane, particularly during her formative years at Lowood School. Helen embodies qualities of patience, forgiveness, and deep faith, which profoundly influence Jane's emerging sense of self and morality. Through Helen's example, Jane learns about resilience in the face of suffering and the importance of inner strength and integrity.

Helen’s philosophies and calm demeanor provide Jane with a contrasting perspective to the harshness she often encounters, especially from figures like Mrs. Reed and the oppressive environment at Lowood. Helen’s ability to remain dignified despite her own tragic circumstances teaches Jane valuable lessons about compassion and the spiritual depth of humanity.

In contrast, Mrs. Reed represents a harsh and unkind world, Bertha Mason symbolizes entrapment and madness that Jane strives to escape, and St. John Rivers, while well-meaning, embodies a more rigid and coldly duty-bound morality that does not resonate with Jane's quest for true emotional connection and authenticity. Thus, Helen Burns stands out as the pivotal figure who shapes Jane's moral compass in a positive and nurturing way.