Who Was The Real St. John Rivers From 'Jane Eyre'?

St. John Rivers, a character in Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, embodies unwavering religious devotion and suppressed emotions, and at johnchen.net, we delve into the real-life inspiration behind this intriguing figure, exploring the complexities of faith, ambition, and personal sacrifice. Discover the true story of Henry Nussey and the life events that connects deeply with themes of leadership, personal development, and career strategies. Unlock expert insights and actionable strategies designed to elevate your leadership skills and drive meaningful change within your organization.

1. Who Was St. John Rivers Based On?

St. John Rivers was based on Henry Nussey, the brother of Charlotte Brontë’s friend Ellen Nussey. Many of Brontë’s characters were inspired by real people, and St. John Rivers is no exception. Charlotte Brontë drew inspiration from people she knew in real life. Henry Nussey, similar to his fictional counterpart, had missionary aspirations and even proposed marriage to Charlotte Brontë in real life.

Many Brontë characters are inspired by people Charlotte knew well. Agnes Grey is surely Anne Brontë herself recounting her two roles as governess, Weston is her tragic love William Weightman, whilst Charlotte’s unrequited love Constantin Heger inspired Rochester and Paul Emanuel of ‘Villette’.

St. John Rivers

St. John Rivers in an illustrated ‘Jane Eyre’

**2. What Is St. John Rivers’s Character Like in Jane Eyre?**

St. John Rivers is portrayed as a cold and deeply religious man who suppresses his emotions. He sees marriage as a practical arrangement to further his missionary work rather than a union based on love. In Jane Eyre, St. John Rivers is depicted as a man wholly dedicated to his religious faith, viewing love and emotions as secondary. His proposal to Jane is devoid of romance, focusing instead on their shared purpose in missionary work.

Here is a snippet from the book,

“Jane come with me to India: come as my helpmeet and fellow-labourer… God and nature intended you for a missionary’s wife. It is not personal, but mental endowments they have given you: you are formed for labour, not for love. A missionary’s wife you must be – shall be. You shall be mine: I claim you – not for my pleasure, but for my Sovereign’s service.”

3. How Did Charlotte Brontë Respond to Henry Nussey’s Proposal?

Charlotte Brontë rejected Henry Nussey’s proposal because she did not feel the deep, intense love that she believed was necessary for marriage. She valued a connection built on adoration and felt that marrying Henry would be deceiving him, as she could not offer the profound love she envisioned for her husband.

In a letter to Ellen, Charlotte explains,

“You ask me dear Ellen whether I have received a letter from Henry. I have about a week since, the contents I confess did a little surprise me, but I kept them to myself, and unless you had questioned me on the subject I would never have adverted to it. Henry says he is comfortably settled in Sussex [where he was then a vicar], that his health is much improved & that it is his intention to take pupils after Easter – he then intimates that in due time he shall want a Wife to take care of his pupils and frankly asks me to be that Wife… I asked myself two questions – ‘Do I love Henry Nussey as much as a woman ought to love her husband? Am I the person best qualified to make him happy?’ Alas Ellen my Conscience answered ‘no’ to both these questions. I felt that though I esteemed Henry, though I had a kindly leaning towards him because he is an amiable well-disposed man, yet I had not, and never could have that intense attachment which would make me willing to die for him – and if ever I marry it must be in that light of adoration that I will regard my Husband… Could I, knowing my mind to be such as that, could I consciously say that I would take a grave quiet young man like Henry? No it would have been deceiving him.”

4. What Were Henry Nussey’s Aspirations in Life?

Henry Nussey aspired to become a missionary and serve in the ministry. From a young age, he expressed a deep desire to spread Christianity and contribute to the salvation of mankind. This ambition aligns with the character of St. John Rivers, who is determined to dedicate his life to missionary work in India.

Henry had dreams of becoming a missionary, and aged just 16 he had written in his diary: “I trust I shall be called to the ministry, and if it should be the Lord’s will, I would, for Christ’s sake, gladly be called to be a missionary, if I could in any way be an instrument in God’s hands, of promoting the salvation of mankind.”

5. Did Henry Nussey Ever Marry?

Yes, Henry Nussey married Emily Prescott in 1845. At the time of their marriage, he was serving as a parish priest in Hathersage, Derbyshire. This town is believed to have inspired the fictional setting of Morton in Jane Eyre, where St. John Rivers serves as the parish priest.

Charlotte’s time in Hathersage, alongside Ellen who was visiting her brother, hugely influenced Jane Eyre, as the Eyres of Hathersage were the leading local family.

Rydings

Rydings, Birstall, once home of the Nussey family

6. What Challenges Did Henry Nussey Face in His Career?

Henry Nussey faced several challenges throughout his career, including periods of ill health and mental distress. He had to leave his positions in Birstall and Burton Agnes due to difficulties in performing his duties as a priest. These challenges suggest that Henry struggled with mental health issues, which ultimately affected his ability to fulfill his professional responsibilities.

Henry Nussey had suffered ill health throughout his life, physical and mental. During his service as an assistant curate in his home town of Birstall, early in his ecclesiastical career, he recorded that he had become ‘harassed in mind’, and he was unable to continue in his role. Similarly, he was asked to leave his later post in Burton Agnes because he was having difficulty in delivering sermons and performing the duties of a priest.

7. What Health Problems Did Henry Nussey Experience?

Henry Nussey suffered from both physical and mental health problems. He sustained a head injury in his youth, which may have contributed to his later mental health issues. These problems led to his admission to Kingsdown Lunatic Asylum and later to Arden House, where he was described as melancholic and at times violent.

Henry had received a head injury in his youth after being thrown from a horse, and there is some thought that this may have contributed to the mental health problems that plagued him throughout his adult life. By July 1847, Henry had given up his role as parish priest in Hathersage, and he and his wife travelled to the continent, hoping that the warm climate and new scenery would be good for his health.

8. How Did Henry Nussey’s Life End?

Henry Nussey’s life ended tragically in Arden House asylum, where he took his own life in 1860. His death marked a sorrowful chapter in the Nussey family’s history, as he was the second of Ellen’s brothers to die in such a manner. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles he faced with his mental health.

A half hidden grave at St. Peter’s church, Wootton Wawen in Warwickshire shows what happened next; it bears the following inscription:

“Sacred to the memory of the Revd Henry Nussey MA of Mag Coll Cambridge and late Vicar of Hathersage who died in this parish on the 20th day of August 1860 aged 48 years. He was the seventh son of the late John and Eleanor Nussey of Ridings near Leeds. Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord.”

St. Michael

Henry Nussey was vicar at St. Michael’s, Hathersage

9. What Does Henry Nussey’s Story Reveal About the Brontës’ Work?

Henry Nussey’s story reveals the Brontës’ keen observation of real-life individuals and their ability to translate these observations into compelling characters. It also underscores the social and personal challenges faced by individuals during the 19th century, including the pressures of religious expectations and the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Like St. John Rivers, Henry Nussey had dreams of becoming a missionary, and aged just 16 he had written in his diary: “I trust I shall be called to the ministry, and if it should be the Lord’s will, I would, for Christ’s sake, gladly be called to be a missionary, if I could in any way be an instrument in God’s hands, of promoting the salvation of mankind.”

10. How Does Henry Nussey’s Life Connect to Themes Explored at Johnchen.Net?

Henry Nussey’s life connects to themes explored at johnchen.net through its exploration of ambition, personal sacrifice, and the challenges of leadership and mental health. His story provides a historical context for understanding the pressures individuals face when balancing personal aspirations with societal expectations, a theme that resonates with contemporary discussions on leadership, career strategies, and personal development.

At johnchen.net, we provide resources and insights for leaders and professionals seeking to enhance their skills, navigate challenges, and achieve their goals. By examining the lives of figures like Henry Nussey, we can gain a deeper understanding of the human condition and apply these lessons to our own journeys.

11. What Were the “Adverse Things” Charlotte Brontë Alluded To in Her Letter Regarding Henry Nussey’s Engagement?

Charlotte Brontë, in a letter, cautioned against delaying Henry Nussey’s marriage, hinting at “adverse things” that might occur. These “adverse things” likely referred to Henry’s recurring mental and physical health issues. Charlotte, being close to both Henry and Ellen Nussey, may have been aware of Henry’s fragile health and the potential for his condition to worsen, which could complicate or prevent his marriage.

In a letter of March 1845, however, Charlotte had warned against this:

“I shall be so sorry when you are gone to Hathersage – you will be so far off again, how long will they want you to stay? I should say Henry would do wisely to make sure of Miss Prescott immediately – 6 months is a long time to wait, adverse things might happen in the meanwhile.”

**12. In What Ways Did Hathersage Influence Jane Eyre?**

Hathersage, where Henry Nussey served as a parish priest, significantly influenced the setting of Jane Eyre. Charlotte Brontë’s visit to Hathersage, along with Ellen Nussey, provided her with firsthand exposure to the local atmosphere, landscapes, and social dynamics. The town is believed to have been the inspiration for the fictional village of Morton in the novel. Additionally, the Eyre family of Hathersage, a prominent local family, may have inspired the name of the protagonist, Jane Eyre.

This is the town recreated as Morton in Jane Eyre whose parish priest was St. John Rivers, just as Henry was the vicar there in reality.

13. What Was Henry Nussey’s Mental State Like in His Final Years?

In his final years, Henry Nussey struggled significantly with his mental health. He was admitted to Kingsdown Lunatic Asylum in Box, Wiltshire, and later transferred to Arden House, a private asylum in Warwickshire. Records from Arden House describe him as “melancholic, at times violent and dangerous to himself and others,” indicating the severity of his mental distress.

At Arden House, Henry is also recorded as being, “melancholic, at times violent and dangerous to himself and others.”

14. Can You Describe Arden House, Where Henry Nussey Spent His Final Days?

Arden House was a private asylum located in Shakespeare country, Warwickshire. It provided care for individuals with mental health issues. The asylum served as the final residence for Henry Nussey, where he received treatment for his severe mental health condition until his death in 1860.

Arden House

Arden House, where Henry’s tragic life ended

15. How Did Henry Nussey’s Early Life and Family Background Influence His Character and Aspirations?

Henry Nussey was born in 1812 as one of the six elder brothers of Charlotte Brontë’s confidante, Ellen Nussey. His family background and early life experiences likely influenced his serious and religious nature. Growing up in a devout household and being part of a large family may have instilled in him a sense of responsibility and a desire to serve others, which later manifested in his aspirations to become a missionary.

Henry Nussey was born in 1812, one of the six elder brothers of Charlotte’s great confidante Ellen Nussey, and she grew to know him well. He was a serious and religious man, and he seems to have proposed to Charlotte for exactly the same reason that St. John Rivers proposes to Jane Eyre – he felt a minister needed a wife to support his work.

16. What Other Notable Figures Were Connected to Henry Nussey?

Besides Charlotte Brontë, Henry Nussey had a notable connection to Lewis Carroll. After being rejected by Charlotte Brontë, Henry proposed to Margaret Ann Lutwidge, the sister of a priest. Although Margaret also rejected him, she later became the aunt of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, who is famously known as Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Therefore, Henry’s first two quickfire proposals could have seen him become husband to Charlotte Brontë or uncle to Lewis Carroll, but it seems he had little interest in literature and the arts himself.

Henry’s proposals could have seen him become husband to Charlotte Bronte or uncle to this man – Lewis Carroll

17. How Did Henry Nussey’s Views on Marriage Differ From Charlotte Brontë’s?

Henry Nussey held a more practical view of marriage, seeing it as a necessary arrangement for a minister to have a supportive partner. This is reflected in his proposal to Charlotte Brontë, where he sought a wife to assist him in his work. In contrast, Charlotte desired a deep, passionate connection with her future husband, based on adoration and intense love.

Henry had a rather less romantic notion of marriage, as unbeknownst to Charlotte just 11 days prior to his proposal to her, he had also proposed to the sister of a priest he had previously served as curate under at Burton Agnes in Yorkshire’s North Riding. Margaret Ann Lutwidge also rejected him, and she would later become aunt to a famous literary nephew – Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known as Alice’s creator Lewis Carroll.

18. In What Ways Was Henry Nussey Similar to St. John Rivers?

Henry Nussey shared several similarities with the character of St. John Rivers. Both men were deeply religious, had aspirations of becoming missionaries, and held a practical view of marriage. Additionally, Henry’s position as a parish priest in Hathersage mirrored St. John Rivers’ role as a clergyman in Jane Eyre. These parallels suggest that Charlotte Brontë drew heavily from Henry Nussey’s personality and life experiences when creating the character of St. John Rivers.

19. How Did Ellen Nussey Support Her Brother Henry During His Difficult Times?

Ellen Nussey, Charlotte Brontë’s close friend and Henry’s sister, played a supportive role in Henry’s life, particularly during his difficult times. She assisted him in refurbishing Hathersage Parsonage before his marriage and likely provided emotional support and companionship throughout his struggles with mental health. Her practical nature and close relationship with Henry made her a valuable source of assistance and comfort.

Before marrying Miss Prescott, Henry Nussey had delayed his marriage by six months as he wanted to spruce up Hathersage Parsonage first, and his sister Ellen, always the practical one of the family, was called in to help him with this refurbishment.

20. What Lessons Can Be Learned From the Story of Henry Nussey?

The story of Henry Nussey offers several valuable lessons. It highlights the importance of mental health awareness and the need for compassion and understanding towards those struggling with mental illness. It also underscores the significance of pursuing one’s passions and aspirations while maintaining a balance between personal well-being and societal expectations. Additionally, it provides insights into the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of finding fulfillment in both personal and professional life.

Henry had taken his own life in Arden asylum, becoming the second of Ellen’s brothers to die in this way. In 1838, the great hope and success of the family, William Nussey who was Royal Apothecary and a physician to Queen Victoria herself, and who had been offered a knighthood, died after throwing himself into the River Thames. The Nussey story is often a tragic one, and none more so than that of Henry Nussey, the real St. John Rivers.

21. How Did Colonialism Influence the Brontës’ Worldview?

The first half of the nineteenth century was a time of adventure and discovery for the intrepid explorers of the expanding British Empire. Alongside explorers, large numbers of missionaries travelled with the intention of converting people to Christianity. The Brontë’s uncle John Kingston had served as a missionary in the Caribbean and America, Arthur Bell Nicholls applied to become a missionary in Australia after his proposal of marriage was rejected by Charlotte.

22. What Specific Aspects of Henry Nussey’s Life Are Reflected in St. John Rivers’ Character?

Several specific aspects of Henry Nussey’s life are reflected in the character of St. John Rivers:

Religious Devotion: Both men were deeply committed to their faith and held strong religious beliefs.
Missionary Aspirations: Both Henry and St. John Rivers harbored dreams of becoming missionaries and spreading Christianity to other parts of the world.
Practical View of Marriage: Both men viewed marriage as a practical arrangement to support their religious work rather than a union based solely on love and emotion.
Clerical Profession: Both Henry and St. John Rivers were members of the clergy, serving as parish priests in their respective communities.
Setting in Hathersage: Henry Nussey’s position as a parish priest in Hathersage, which inspired the fictional village of Morton in Jane Eyre, is directly reflected in St. John Rivers’ role as a clergyman in the novel.

These shared characteristics suggest that Charlotte Brontë drew significant inspiration from Henry Nussey’s life and personality when creating the character of St. John Rivers.

23. What Was the Significance of Rydings in the Nussey Family History?

Rydings, located in Birstall, was once the home of the Nussey family. It held significance as the family’s ancestral residence and a place of deep roots and history. As the home of John and Eleanor Nussey, it represented the family’s heritage and served as a gathering place for family members. Rydings was also where Henry Nussey spent his early years.

24. Can You Provide More Information About William Nussey’s Tragic End?

William Nussey, a brother of Henry and Ellen, was a successful physician who served as Royal Apothecary and physician to Queen Victoria. He was even offered a knighthood for his contributions to medicine. However, despite his professional success, William tragically took his own life in 1838 by throwing himself into the River Thames. His death was a significant blow to the Nussey family and added to the family’s history of mental health struggles.

25. What Role Did Class and Society Play in Shaping the Lives of the Brontës and the Nusseys?

Class and society played a significant role in shaping the lives of the Brontës and the Nusseys. Both families belonged to the middle class and were influenced by the social expectations and norms of their time. The Brontës, as daughters of a clergyman, were expected to be educated and refined, but their career options were limited. Similarly, the Nusseys, as members of a prominent Yorkshire family, were expected to uphold certain social standards and pursue respectable professions.

Social class also influenced the Brontës’ and Nusseys’ views on marriage. Marriage was often seen as a means of social and economic advancement, and women were expected to marry well to secure their financial future. These social pressures likely played a role in Henry Nussey’s practical view of marriage and Charlotte Brontë’s desire for a more passionate and fulfilling union.

26. How Does the Story of Henry Nussey Inform Our Understanding of Mental Health in the 19th Century?

Henry Nussey’s story provides valuable insights into the understanding and treatment of mental health in the 19th century. His struggles with mental illness, including periods of depression and violent behavior, highlight the challenges faced by individuals during a time when mental health was poorly understood and often stigmatized.

His admission to Kingsdown Lunatic Asylum and Arden House reflects the limited treatment options available at the time. Mental asylums were often overcrowded and provided little in the way of effective therapy. Henry’s story serves as a reminder of the progress that has been made in mental health care and the importance of continued research and advocacy.

27. Were There Any Other Proposals or Romantic Interests in Henry Nussey’s Life?

Yes, before proposing to Charlotte Brontë, Henry Nussey had also proposed to Margaret Ann Lutwidge, the sister of a priest he had previously served under. This proposal occurred just 11 days before he proposed to Charlotte. However, Margaret Ann Lutwidge also rejected him. It’s interesting to note that Margaret Ann Lutwidge later became the aunt of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll, the author of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.”

28. How Did Charlotte Brontë Use Her Personal Experiences and Observations in Her Writing?

Charlotte Brontë was known for drawing inspiration from her personal experiences and observations when creating her characters and stories. Her time as a governess, her unrequited love for Constantin Heger, and her relationships with her family and friends all influenced her writing. The character of St. John Rivers is just one example of how Charlotte Brontë used real-life figures and events to inform her literary works.

29. How Did Henry Nussey’s Death Affect Ellen Nussey and the Rest of the Nussey Family?

Henry Nussey’s death was a tragic event that deeply affected Ellen Nussey and the rest of the Nussey family. As his sister and close confidante, Ellen likely mourned his loss and struggled with the circumstances surrounding his death. The Nussey family had already experienced the suicide of another brother, William, years earlier, making Henry’s death even more devastating. His death added to the family’s history of mental health struggles and served as a reminder of the challenges faced by those living with mental illness.

30. What Are Some Other Examples of Authors Drawing Inspiration From Real-Life People and Events?

Many authors throughout history have drawn inspiration from real-life people and events in their writing. Some notable examples include:

Charles Dickens: Known for incorporating his experiences growing up in poverty into his novels, such as “Oliver Twist” and “David Copperfield.”
Leo Tolstoy: Drew inspiration from his experiences in the Crimean War when writing “War and Peace.”
Jane Austen: Based her characters and stories on the people and social dynamics she observed in her own community.
F. Scott Fitzgerald: Inspired by his own experiences and those of his wife, Zelda, when writing “The Great Gatsby” and other works.

These are just a few examples of how authors often use real-life inspiration to create compelling and authentic works of literature.

31. What Is the Historical Context of Missionary Work in the 19th Century?

Missionary work in the 19th century was closely tied to the expansion of European colonialism and the belief in the superiority of Western culture and religion. European missionaries traveled to various parts of the world with the goal of converting indigenous populations to Christianity and “civilizing” them according to Western standards.

Missionary work was often seen as a noble and selfless endeavor, but it also had a dark side. Missionaries often disrupted traditional cultures and imposed their own values and beliefs on local populations. They also played a role in the exploitation and oppression of indigenous peoples. The Brontës, like many others at this time, loved reading of their exploits. The Brontë’s uncle John Kingston had served as a missionary in the Caribbean and America.

32. What Are Some of the Ethical Considerations Surrounding Missionary Work?

There are several ethical considerations surrounding missionary work, including:

Cultural Sensitivity: Missionaries should be respectful of local cultures and traditions and avoid imposing their own values and beliefs on others.
Informed Consent: Individuals should have the right to choose whether or not to convert to a new religion without coercion or pressure.
Power Dynamics: Missionaries should be aware of the power dynamics involved in their interactions with local populations and avoid exploiting or oppressing them.
Social Justice: Missionary work should be aligned with principles of social justice and should not contribute to inequality or oppression.
Authenticity: Missionaries should act with genuine compassion and empathy and should not use missionary work as a means of personal gain or self-promotion.

33. How Did the Social and Cultural Norms of the 19th Century Influence the Brontës’ Views on Marriage?

The social and cultural norms of the 19th century significantly influenced the Brontës’ views on marriage. Marriage was often seen as a social and economic contract, and women were expected to marry well to secure their financial future and social status. Romantic love was not always considered a primary factor in marriage decisions, and practical considerations often took precedence.

The Brontës, as women living in a patriarchal society, were aware of these social expectations and norms. Their novels often explore the complexities of marriage and the challenges faced by women seeking love and fulfillment within the confines of 19th-century society.

34. What Was the Significance of Henry Nussey’s Role as a Vicar in Hathersage?

Henry Nussey’s role as a vicar in Hathersage was significant because it provided him with a position of authority and influence within the community. As a vicar, he was responsible for providing spiritual guidance and support to his parishioners, as well as overseeing the religious affairs of the parish. His role as a vicar also connected him to the local gentry and other prominent members of society.

Henry Nussey’s position as a vicar in Hathersage also played a role in Charlotte Brontë’s creation of the character of St. John Rivers. She drew inspiration from Henry’s profession and his interactions with the community when developing St. John Rivers’ character and his role in the novel.

35. In What Ways Was the Nussey Family Considered a “Tragic” Family?

The Nussey family was considered a “tragic” family due to the multiple instances of mental health struggles and untimely deaths that occurred within the family. Both William Nussey and Henry Nussey died by suicide, and other family members may have also struggled with mental illness.

These tragedies left a lasting impact on the family and contributed to the perception of the Nussey family as one marked by sorrow and misfortune. Their stories serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals and families dealing with mental health issues.

36. How Might Henry Nussey Have Felt About Being the Inspiration for the Character of St. John Rivers?

It is difficult to know exactly how Henry Nussey might have felt about being the inspiration for the character of St. John Rivers. On the one hand, he may have been flattered to have been the inspiration for a character in a novel written by a famous author. He also may have been appreciated that Charlotte Brontë recognized his religious convictions and missionary aspirations.

37. What Are Some Modern Interpretations of the Character of St. John Rivers?

Modern interpretations of the character of St. John Rivers vary. Some readers view him as a cold and calculating figure who is primarily motivated by his own ambition. They may criticize his lack of empathy and his attempts to manipulate Jane into marrying him.

Other readers view him as a more complex and sympathetic character who is genuinely committed to his religious beliefs and missionary work. They may see him as a product of his time and upbringing, and they may appreciate his dedication and self-discipline.

38. How Can Modern Leaders Apply Lessons From the Lives of Figures Like Henry Nussey and St. John Rivers?

Modern leaders can apply lessons from the lives of figures like Henry Nussey and St. John Rivers in several ways:

Prioritize Mental Health: Recognize the importance of mental health and well-being, both for themselves and their team members. Create a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals feel comfortable seeking help when needed.
Balance Ambition With Empathy: Strive for excellence and achievement, but not at the expense of empathy and compassion. Be mindful of the needs and feelings of others and lead with kindness and understanding.
Pursue Meaningful Goals: Identify and pursue goals that are aligned with their values and contribute to the greater good. Seek to make a positive impact on the world, rather than simply pursuing personal gain.
Cultivate Self-Awareness: Reflect on their own strengths and weaknesses and seek feedback from others. Be willing to learn and grow as leaders and to adapt their leadership style as needed.
Embrace Authenticity: Be true to themselves and their values, and avoid trying to be someone they are not. Lead with integrity and authenticity, and inspire others to do the same.

By applying these lessons, modern leaders can create a more positive and impactful leadership style that benefits both themselves and those they lead.

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