Mother Dearest

"I resolved, in the depth of my heart, that I would be most moderate … I told her all the story of my sad childhood. Exhausted by emotion, my language was more subdued than it generally was when it developed that sad theme; and mindful of Helen’s warnings against the indulgence of resentment, I infused into the narrative far less of gall and wormwood than ordinary. Thus restrained and simplified, it sounded more credible: I felt as I went on that Miss Temple fully believed me."


     There are many characters in Jane Eyre that play a significant role in the growth and development of Jane's character. One of these characters, possibly the most important is Miss Temple. Working as a teaching assistant at Lowood school, Miss Temple sees a potential in Jane that  all others seemed to neglect. She quickly earns Jane's trust and becomes source of shelter (Temple, get it?). Jane sees Miss Temple as a role model, and is inspired to become a teacher herself. However insignificant it may seem, Jane's small amount of time spent at Lowood under the influence of Miss Temple was a catalyst for the change of heart we see in Jane later on in the novel.


      Miss Temple is the only real motherly figure that Jane has ever known. Her kindness reaches Jane's very core, and she is really the one to be thanked for the entire future of Jane Eyre, inspiring her to become a teacher, and assuring her that the world is not as cruel as she might believe it to be. Miss Temple cared. She was not over the top, smothering Jane with gifts or affection. She simply believed in her, and helped her to listen to, and answer the whisper in her heart.