Religion is expressed in many different ways in the
novel. Brocklehurst is one key character
who expresses strong christian values. However his harsh attitudes and
behaviour towards the girls at Lowood is
contrasted with the kindly treatment of
his own children. His children are dressed ‘splendidly attired in velvet silk
and furs.’ Bronte’s sensuous list of three description is used to emphasise the girls wealth, their
concern with appearances and their difference from the charity girls of Lowood.
Bronte in this image presents Broclehurst as a hypocrite. Our hatred for him
increases. The figure of Brocklehurst is used here to represent a corrupt patriachal class of men who despised
and feared women during this early Victorian era.
