What support is there in Jane Eyre that she is plain?

Answer 1

She only has one silk dress, which she treasures and wears only at special events in her life. Other than that, she wears plain dresses. In chapter 13 when she meets with Mr. Rochester, it says "...with Mrs. Fairfax's aid, replaced my black stuff dress by one of black silk; the best and the only additional one I had, except one of my light grey, which, in my Lowood notions of the toilette, I thought was too fine to be worn, except on first-rate occasions."

Also in chapter 14, Mr. Rochester says to Jane "The Lowood constraint still clings to you somewhat; controlling your features, muffling your voice, and restricting your limbs; and you fear in the presence of a man and brother- or father, or master, or what you will- to smile too gaily, speak too freely, or move too quickly."

Saying that she is stuck in the Lowood train of thoughts and actions is saying she is still plain. Lowood girls were poor and were forced to have straight hair, without curls, and dresses for poor girls. That is what she grew up with, and is used to being plain and not going out of her way to be fancy to please men or anything. She is not wealthy, and this adds to her plain ways.

Answer 2

In "Jane Eyre," Jane is described as plain by herself and other characters in the book. She often compares herself to her more conventionally attractive cousin, Georgiana Reed, highlighting her own perceived plainness. Additionally, Jane's plain appearance serves as a contrast to her strong and independent personality, emphasizing her inner strength rather than her outward beauty.