Discuss the presentation of religion in 'Jane Eyre.'

It can be argued that Bronte depicts religion as a force potent enough to deprive mankind of humanity. This is perhaps most apparent in the case of St John Rivers, who is shown to reject his wild love for Miss Oliver (which he views as a 'mere fever of the flesh') in order to fulfil his 'vocation' of being a missionary. The reader can infer that it is not Miss Oliver (whom he compares to a 'yolk of flowers') that seeks to rid him if his humanity; rather it is the 'inexorable' nature of religion, coupled with St John's extreme pride, which succeeds in transfiguring him to an 'automation' who is as 'cold as an iceberg.' Bronte's allusion to lifeless and 'cold' objects immediately has connotations to a lack of humanity, and the Godly feelings of kindness which are associated with this. Paradoxically, through St John's emotionless infatuation with his religious vocation, he can actually be seen to become a less caring and thoughtful person. Thus it can be seen that Bronte presents religion as a force powerful enough to rid one if what is innately human.