Beauty or Intelligence

“He deliberately scrutinised each sketch and painting. Three he laid aside; the others, when he had examined them, he swept from him.

‘Take them off to the other table, Mrs. Fairfax,’ said he, and look at them with Adele;—you’ (glancing at me) ‘resume your seat, and answer my questions. I perceive those pictures were done by one hand: was that hand yours?’

‘Yes.’

‘And when did you find time to do them? They have taken much time, and some thought.’

‘I did them in the last two vacations I spent at Lowood, when I had no other occupation.’

‘Where did you get your copies?’

‘Out of my head.’

‘That head I see now on your shoulders?’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Has it other furniture of the same kind within?’

‘I should think it may have: I should hope—better.’

He spread the pictures before him, and again surveyed them alternately.” (page 118)

Though for only a brief time, there was an instance in which Jane and Mr. Rochester were in a relationship together. For Jane to stand out to Mr. Rochester there was some unique characteristic or attribute that gave her priority above others he had met. He knew beautiful girls like Blanche Ingram or Celine Varens, so her youthful niceness was not the defining factor. Instead, it seems, it is her smartness and abilities that initially attracted him. Following the theme of a woman being able to achieve status based on character rather than looks, this passage shows how Jane was able to become friendly with Mr. Rochester through her skill and intelligence.

Initially Mr. Rochester does not expect much from Jane. He is rather incredulous to the fact that she could have done them. Up until now, he does not think to highly of her. He was previously scrutinizing her for her want of a gift in the way childish Adele was begging for one, and once he sees she has artistic talent he is wary that she is the one who created it. He is constantly asking her somewhat demeaning questions such as “I perceive those pictures were done by one hand: was that hand yours?” or “Where did you get your copies...That head I see now on your shoulders?” All of these questions show that he does not think she is capable of such fine work. It also shows that he was predisposed to assume a person like Jane, a young girl without much money or defining beauty who has only lived in school until now, would not have a talent such as she does. The fact that her artwork is so beautiful adds uniqueness to her that makes Jane stand out from the other people Mr. Rochester knows.

Jane knows that her work is quite good, and is willing to put up with Mr. Rochester’s interrogation to be able to prove to him her excellence. Unlike when she was younger, Jane does not get irritated when someone questions her abilities. When asked about her work, she will answer exactly what she must, not elaborating on her work and instead letting it speak for itself. Also, when asked if she is still capable of such work, she answered “I should hope—better.” Her attitude is not of a person grateful for the recognition of her good work, but expectant. She also does not feign modesty in her abilities, but instead says that she could probably be very good. Jane’s approach to her skill helps develop on the theme that she can progress through her talent and intelligence.

While Mr. Rochester is unsure of her talent, Jane is fully confident and aware of how impressive it is. This makes her stand out to Mr. Rochester, as well as her intelligence and character, among all of the prettier girls who wish to be with him because of his wealth. Her talent shows that she is more than a plain-looking girl but someone capable of complex emotion and understanding of the world.