“That is my wife,” said he. “Such is the sole conjugal embrace I am ever to know – such are the endearments which are to solace my leisure hours! And this is what I wished to have” (laying his hand on my shoulder): “this young girl, who stands so grave and quiet at the mouth of hell, looking collectedly at the gambols of a demon. I wanted her just as a change after that fierce ragout. Wood and Briggs, look at the difference! Compare these clear eyes with the red balls yonder – this face with that mask – this form with that bulk; then judge me, priest of the Gospel and man of the law, and remember, with what judgment ye judge ye shall be judged!”
– Charlotte Bronte
Jane Eyre, Chapter 26. Rochester gives his reasons for attempting to remarry while he already has a wife. Introducing Bertha to Jane, he portrays her as a grotesque monster, her physical appearance reflecting her inner madness. She has “red balls” for eyes, a “mask” for a face, and “bulk” for a body. Jane by contrast has “clear eyes,” a proper “face,” and “form.” To Rochester Bertha is no human wife but a devil from the “mouth of hell.” He challenges religious priests and lawyers to judge him for his bigamous attempt to marry Jane.