Listen, then, Jane Eyre, to your sentence: tomorrow, place…
““Listen, then, Jane Eyre, to your sentence: tomorrow, place the glass before you, and draw in chalk your own picture, faithfully, without softening one defect; omit no harsh line, smooth away no displeasing irregularity; write under it, 'Portrait of a Governess, disconnected, poor, and plain.' "Afterwards, take a piece of smooth ivory--you have one prepared in your drawing-box: take your palette, mix your freshest, finest, clearest tints; choose your most delicate camel-hair pencils; delineate carefully the loveliest face you can imagine; paint it in your softest shades and sweetest lines, according to the description given by Mrs. Fairfax of Blanche Ingram; remember the raven ringlets, the oriental eye;--What! you revert to Mr. Rochester as a model! Order! No snivel!--no sentiment!--no regret! I will endure only sense and resolution. Recall the august yet harmonious lineaments, the Grecian neck and bust; let the round and dazzling arm be visible, and the delicate hand; omit neither diamond ring nor gold bracelet; portray faithfully the attire, aerial lace and glistening satin, graceful scarf and golden rose; call it 'Blanche, an accomplished lady of rank.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
She urges strict self‑representation, demanding honesty and precision in portraying one's identity, rejecting flattering distortions.
In simple terms: Be true to yourself without embellishment.
Key Takeaway
Present an unvarnished self‑portrait.
Themes
identity
authenticity
self‑expression
art
literature
Mood
determined
critical
introspective
Type
literary
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing a memoir
- creating a character sketch
- artistic self‑portrait
- public speaking
Key Concepts
self‑portraiture
literary criticism
personal narrative
Questions to Reflect On
- Will you ever compromise honesty for acceptance?
- How does self‑critique affect confidence?
A Different Perspective
Idealized self‑images can be socially pressured.