Character Clues
Character Analysis
Social Status
Ever wonder how Rousseau seems to effortlessly make his way in the world, working odd jobs and picking up patrons? The guy is well-connected. He just does what his pal tells him to do: "Go to Annecy. There you will find a good and charitable lady, whom, the King, of his bounty, has empowered to save other souls from the error under which she once labored herself" (2.1.5). Well, alrighty then!
Rousseau is totally aware of how lucky he is, although he doesn't always spell it out. Social status allows him to do things like putter about and write for years on end without producing anything. When he finally does write something, you better believe he'll use his connections to publish.
Physical Appearances
There's nothing Rousseau loves more than an interesting face. He loves dedicating space in his narrative to describing a beautiful woman—or an unattractive woman, or a wise-looking woman. He really likes to describe women, in case you can't tell. What's the deal? Rousseau truly feels that he can figure out who someone is by looking directly in his or her eyes. Check out when he meets Mme de Warens for the first time: she has a "face full of charm, large and lovely blue eyes beaming with kindness, a dazzling complexion and the outline of an enchanting neck" (2.1.9). Notice how Rousseau is really describing her character, though he seems to just taking note of her face.
How does Rousseau describe himself, for that matter? He admits that "while not being what is called a handsome youth, I was well-made for my modest size" (2.1.7). While modesty is not one of Rousseau's finer traits, it's plain that he doesn't just value beauty. He's fascinated by how physical appearance determines character.
Sex and Love
From a young age, Rousseau just can't stop himself from thinking about sex. "My passions are extremely strong, and while I am under their sway nothing can equal my impetuosity," Rousseau tells us up front (1.1.17). See, Rousseau doesn't really think he can control his passion for the ladies. He always gets himself into trouble when he's pursuing lady love.
Really, Rousseau seems to be telling us something about his passionate nature. His passion rules the roost when it comes to his character traits, and it spills over into his writing and artistic pursuits. Rousseau feels the greatest guilt about his sexual misdeeds, but he also recognizes how crucial sex and love are to shaping his life.