Many of the colonial values seen in the life of Livingstone are reflected in the character of St. John Rivers, the pastor-turned-missionary of Jane Eyre.  For example, in an early appeal, the London Missionary society asked for “messengers to the nations . . . to entreat [the foreigners] that they turn from their dumb idol to the living God, and to wait for His Son from heaven.” Similarly, Rivers says his “great work” is to give “religion for superstition, the hope of heaven for the fear of hell” (471).

On the night of June 29, 1860 3 and 1/2 year old Francis Savile Kent was found brutally murdered. His nursemaid was first indicted for the crime, but no evidence was found to convict her. Soon after his 16 year old half-sister Constance Kent was held for questioning, but was let go. Constance was seen as something of a folk heroine and the police were criticized for accusing an accomplished, intelligent, and upper class lady for the murder. Constance later confessed to killing Francis in 1865.