Initially, he sees her as:
* Strong and independent: He admires her resilience and self-reliance, as evidenced by her journey to Morton and her ability to support herself.
* Intelligent and capable: He recognizes her sharp mind and her dedication to teaching.
* Kind and compassionate: He values her empathy and her willingness to help others, particularly the poor and sick.
* Spiritual and devout: He appreciates her deep faith and her commitment to religious principles.
Later, he becomes more:
* Attracted to her: He finds her beauty and strength appealing, but his attraction is intertwined with a desire for her to become his wife and partner in missionary work.
* Idealistic: He projects his own desires and expectations onto her, viewing her as the perfect missionary wife and companion.
* Possessive and controlling: He wants to shape her life according to his own vision, which ultimately leads to a clash between their desires and values.
Overall, St. John Rivers' description of Jane Eyre is:
* Ambiguous: He admires her qualities but simultaneously attempts to mold her into his idealized image.
* Subjective: His perceptions are shaped by his own religious convictions and his personal ambitions.
* Ultimately, flawed: His portrayal of Jane overlooks her individuality and her need for genuine love and connection.
It's important to remember that Jane Eyre herself is a complex and independent character. She does not simply accept St. John's description of her; she challenges his assumptions and ultimately makes her own choices about her life and her destiny.