The definition of a stalwart soldier is "one who is physically and morally strong". The students had to face the elements and endure a two mile walk to church every Sunday. Their spirits were always slow as they had to deal with the frigid air and bitter snow. Miss Temple referred to them as stalwart soldiers to lift their spirits. Brontë used this particular term to compare the girl to strong minded soldiers because in this part of the novel that's what they seemed to be. They seemed to be an army, marching to their destination of church. The battle they fought were the elements.
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How does this military connection tie into some of the other themes of the novel? Having Jane part of such a rigid, militaristic sort of ritual practice?
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