Either in novels or in real life, many women are very religious, which influences their destiny. God has an effect on such women. Like in JANE EYRE or ANTIGONE, the faith or religious belief is the factor that determines the destiny of these women. Because they believe in a better place, their faith provides them strength and courage. They place divine law above any human law. All of these aspects have more of an impact on female destiny than on male destiny.
The belief that there is a better place, also known as heaven, is an aspect that has an effect on female destiny. The belief that heaven exists will make women act differently toward death or incurable diseases. In Jane Eyre, for example, Jane's friend, Helen Burns, dies at Lowood School, Jane previously had no religious belief. It is only at the moment that Helen Burns is dying and talks to Jane about God that Jane begins to believe in God. The reader will later discover that this particular event in Jane's life had an effect on her, including her present and future decisions. Likewise, Antigone isn't afraid of dying, because she believes in a better place. The fact that Antigone isn't frightened of dying provides her the courage to ask her uncle and king, Creon, “why then delay” (139) her death. Both of these events, as different as they may be, determines the destiny of these women. Antigone and the older Jane Eyre have little or no fear of death, because they believe that when they die, they won't suffer. The belief of a better place can help someone be stronger and make them feel more secure. If someone committed a crime and believe in heaven, they might be less afraid to die, because they believe that they are going to a better place - to a place where there is no suffering.
For some women, belief in God provides strength and courage. For example, in JANE EYRE, on page 246, Jane says something to Rochester that is very similar to what Antigone says to Creon, on page 138, in Sophocles' The ban plays. Both of these women tell Rochester and Creon that everyone dies and that it is better to follow God's law, because God's law, unlike men's law, exist forever. At times, strength and courage comes spontaneously. For instance, while she was living at Gateshead, Jane was mostly shy and never dared to oppose her aunt or cousins. But, not long before her departure, Jane finds the courage to tell her aunt that she hates her, that she will never think of her again. Jane shows the courage to say what she thinks, even if it forces her to speak harshly and out of character. Antigone has the courage to admit to Creon what she has done and what she thinks about Creon, his laws, etc. There are some women who just don't have that kind of courage. Because of their strength and courage, they are able to face these men and say what is on their mind. Therefore, this simple fact and faith in God influences their destiny. The question is the extent to which this courage comes from their religious belief? Perhaps religion has relieved their fears and allowed them to express their true character? Perhaps the character of these women is expressed once they are free of the laws of man (and men?)?
Another point that determines female destiny is that these women place divine law above every human law. They want to be good people, be able to go to heaven and so, they act according to God's laws and will. For example, Antigone buries her brother, Polynices, although her uncle, Creon, has forbidden it. She doesn't want Polynices to wonder between heaven and hell for eternity. When Creon asks her if she really did bury her brother against his will, Antigone admits that she did and tells him “I did not think your edicts strong enough to overrule the unwritten unalterable laws of God and heaven, you only being a man” (138). Women, like Antigone and Jane, think that it is better to follow the laws of God than laws of men. Like them, most religious women believe in divine law, because the divine laws continue to exist through the ages of humanity. These laws are something that can't be undone or unaltered. To religious people, such as Antigone and Jane Eyre, these laws are sacred and are a part of these people lives. In these times, religion might serve to free women from the legal systems of men.
It is for these reasons that faith or religious belief appears in both stories to influence women's destiny. If it were not for religion, Jane and Antigone would probably have behaved differently, although for different reasons. In both cases religion has provided these women with courage or at least freed them from their fear of authority. Religion has allowed these women to overcome their fear and to behave in a way that that they think to be right. In these times, when women were commonly restricted, religious belief has been liberating. Perhaps this is why women living under the authority of laws made by males are more religious. The belief in life after death, or heavens, provides freedom from the consequences of actions on earth and from the punishment of the authorities. It is not because they are religious that Jane or Antigone behaved as they did. They behave as they do because their religious beliefs have provided the freedom to express their basic character. Perhaps this is the link between Antigone, Jane Eyre and religious women in such societies.
