Confessions of Jean-Jacques Rousseau Appearances Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

I dread nothing so much in the world as a pretty girl in dishabille; I should dread her a hundred times less in full dress. (5.1.21)

Rousseau's starting to get pretty specific about what he likes and what he doesn't like. We've even got a bit of satire here.

Quote #5

I will merely say that her ruffles and bodice were edged with silk thread ornamented with rose-coloured tufts, and this seemed to me to enhance the beauty of her very fine skin. (7.1.34)

Rousseau seems intent on taking in the entire picture: the outfit and the girl. He's definitely a fashion maven.

Quote #6

Her skin was dazzlingly fair; her figure would have been tall and fine if she had held herself better; her hair, which was ash blonde and of uncommon beauty, reminded me of Mama's in her prime, and sent a tremor to my heart. (8.1.8)

Rousseau's nostalgia for his lost love has a lot to do with what he finds attractive.