The Pool of Bethesda

“...the Jews of old sent their diseased to the troubled pool of Bethesda...” (pg. 79)

The pool of Bethesda was a water hole where invalids, the sick, were sent in order to cleanse themselves. The pool supposedly had mysteriously troubled waters that possessed the ability to heal those who waded inside. According to the Bible, it was here that Jesus healed a man who had been lame for thirty-eight years. Bronte, through Brocklehurst, makes a comparison between Lowood and the pool of Bethesda. The two parallel each other in that Jane was sent to Lowood by Mrs. Reed, much like the invalids were sent the pool, in order to be healed. Although Jane is not "healed" in the literal sense while attending Lowood, she does build character and becomes an educated young woman. This essentially prepares her for the many trials she will encounter outside of Lowood.

"First Century Jerusalem - Pool of Bethesda." Bible History Online Images and Resources for Biblical History. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.bible-history.com/jerusalem/firstcenturyjerusalem_pool_of_bethesda.html

The Pool of Bethesda. Digital image. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. http://www.fireonyourhead.org/wp-content/uploads/2005/09/at_the_pool_of_bethesda_lg.jpg