[fantasyfan]

Thanks for those insights, Issybird. I would agree completely that pain is needed for growth and we can see that in this novel especially in Helen’s religiosity.
She begins with a theoretical type of belief which doesn’t take the practicalities of human nature into account. We see that with her argument with her aunt and in Ch 23 which I referenced above. And as you say “some are broken.”

Helen goes very near to the edge of the cliff of cynical anger after Huntington’s betrayal. And she knows what is happening to her. The love is being replaced by Hate.

“I hate him tenfold more for having brought me to this!— . . . Instead of being humbled and purified by my afflictions, I feel that they are turning my nature into gall.”

Hatred and wrath now consume her and she feels that her future is a “rough dark road.”

This is why Brontë now brings in the Hargrave episode and spends some time on it. It is to be a test for Helen. She is filled with such fury that Hargrave believes her vulnerable to seduction. The chess game is a striking image of his view of her situation and the relationship that he thinks he can achieve. Passing the test strengthens Helen and helps her to focus her energies in a positive way.