Mr. Rochester, as he sat in his damask-covered chair, looked different to what I had seen him look before; not quite so stern—much less gloomy. There was a smile on his lips, and his eyes sparkled, whether with wine or not, I am not sure; but I think it very probable.
Chapter 14 · Narrator
Context
Jane observes Rochester as he sits in the dining room after his dinner guests have departed. She notes a visible change in his mood and demeanor compared to earlier in the day.
Analysis
Jane's narratorial uncertainty—"whether with wine or not, I am not sure; but I think it very probable"—breaks the smooth surface of omniscient description to reveal her as an interpreter making guesses. By voicing her suspicion that Rochester is tipsy, she positions the reader to share her slight skepticism about this softer version of him, subtly undercutting the romantic tableau the scene might otherwise create.
Essay Tip
Use this to argue that Jane's narrative voice maintains critical distance even in moments of potential attraction—by speculating that wine, not genuine warmth, accounts for Rochester's charm, she reminds us (and herself) not to mistake his moods for his character, a wariness that will prove essential to her survival.