Religion in Jane Eyre Charlotte Bronte addresses the theme of Religion in the novel Jane Eyre using many characters as symbols. Bronte states, "Conventionality is not morality. Self-righteousness is not religion"(preface v). In Jane Eyre, Bronte supports the theme that customary actions are not always moral through the conventional personalities of Mrs. Reed, Mr. Brocklehurst, and St. John Rivers. The novel begins in Gateshead Hall when Jane must stay away from her aunt and cousins because she does not know how to speak pleasantly to them. Mrs. Reed, possesses a higher standing in society. Due to Jane's lower class standing, Mrs. Reed treats Jane as a