"I know that had I been a sanguine, brilliant, careless, exacting, handsome, romping child - though equally dependent and friendless - Mrs. Reed would have endured my presence more complacently" (15).
Jane is talking about the cruel and injust treatment she receives at the hands of Mrs. Reed. She thinks that had she been an agreeable, pretty, smart, energetic, and easy-tempered child, Mrs. Reed would have been nicer to her. Basically, she's saying that if she was complacent and perfect in almost every way, Mrs. Reed would have liked her. Sanguine means having a sturdy or cheerful temperament.
Mary didn't seem as sanguine about the matter as I did.
I really like this word, and the explanation of the quote is very well done.
ReplyDeletedamn this is is good
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