Literary heroine who described herself as “poor, obscure, plain and little” - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue is a delightful dive into classic literature, quoting a famous line from a beloved novel. This type of clue tests your knowledge of cultural touchstones and is a favorite among crossword constructors. The answer is a name that appears frequently in puzzles, making it a great one to commit to memory.

Clue Analysis

The clue provides a direct quote and identifies the speaker as a "literary heroine." The quote itself, "poor, obscure, plain and little," is a powerful piece of self-description. It's not just a list of attributes; it's a declaration. The solver's task is to identify the character who spoke these words. The key is recognizing this specific, iconic line from 19th-century English literature. The answer required is the character's surname.

Thinking Approaches

1. Direct Recall: For fans of classic novels, this quote is instantly recognizable. It's one of the most famous passages from the book, spoken during a moment of high emotional intensity. If you've read the book or seen one of its many film adaptations, the name likely springs to mind immediately.

2. Contextual Association: If the quote isn't immediately familiar, break it down. We're looking for a heroine who is an underdog—someone of low social standing ("poor, obscure") and not conventionally beautiful ("plain and little"). This profile fits many protagonists from Victorian-era novels, but the specific phrasing is the real giveaway. Think of famous governesses or orphans in literature.

3. Using Crossings: The answer is a short, four-letter name. Even a single crossing letter can be a massive help. For instance, if you have E _ _ E, there are only so many common names that fit. Given the literary context, the answer becomes much clearer. The vowel-consonant-vowel structure is also very common in crossword grids.

Background Context

The quote is from Charlotte Bronte's 1847 novel, Jane Eyre. The speaker is the titular protagonist, Jane.

This line is part of her passionate speech to her employer and love interest, Edward Rochester. He is toying with her feelings, suggesting he will marry a wealthy socialite. Jane, believing she must leave, confronts him with her true feelings. She says:

"Do you think I am an automaton? -- a machine without feelings? ... Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong! -- I have as much soul as you, -- and full as much heart!"

It's a powerful assertion of her own worth and equality, a cornerstone of the novel's proto-feminist themes. The character's surname, EYRE, has become a crossword staple due to its common letters and literary significance.

Conclusion

This clue is a perfect example of a straightforward knowledge-based question. It rewards familiarity with literary classics and serves as a good reminder of one of English literature's most enduring heroines. Once you know it, you'll spot EYRE in crossword puzzles everywhere.

Hints

1. Hint 1: The clue refers to a classic 19th-century English novel.
2. Hint 2: The novel is a bildungsroman, following the protagonist's moral and spiritual development as a governess.
3. Hint 3: The title of the novel is the protagonist's full name.
4. Hint 4: She falls in love with her employer, Mr. Rochester, at Thornfield Hall.