You are afraid of me, because I talk like a Sphinx.
– Charlotte Bronte
Jane Eyre, Chapter 14. Rochester tells Jane that she is afraid of him because he talks in riddles. Using a simile, he compares himself to a sphinx. However, Jane assures him that while she is confused by his puzzling language she is unafraid: “Your language is enigmatical, sir: but though I am bewildered, I am certainly not afraid.” The sphinx is a mythical creature with the head of a woman and body of a lion. She killed those who could not answer her riddle.