Though Jane rejects extreme asceticism, and believes that she deserves a measure of joy in life, she does adopt many plain and self-denying attitudes through her exposure to them. These attitudes are apparent in her behaviors while she resides at Thornfield Hall.

Mr. Rochester notes that Jane rarely laughs, though it is part of her nature to laugh (169; ch. 14). She asks for no presents from Mr. Rochester (152-53; ch. 13). She dresses plainly (151; ch. 13) and tries to avoid parties and plays no games (198-99; ch. 17, 221; ch. 18). She tells Mr. Rochester that perhaps he would be happier denying himself as well (167; ch. 14). Jane is sensible in managing money (253; ch. 21). When Rochester acted the part of a Gypsy, Jane was generally calm and unmoved (225-231; ch. 19). One of the "keenest pleasures" she had ever known was painting the pictures which Mr. Rochester admired, but, as Mr. Rochester remarked, she had few pleasures (157-58; ch. 13).

However, she says "I believe I was as active and gay as anybody-Adele excepted" preparing for Mr. Rochester's guests (193-4; ch. 17). When it appeared that Rochester was going to marry Blanche, Jane makes a plan to leave Thornfield Hall immediately. She does not marry Rochester while his wife lived, though she wanted to be his wife. However, Jane is not extreme in that she does not marry St. John Rivers, who did not truly know or love her, and whom she did not love romantically.

One of the lasting influences on Jane in the realm of self-denial is Helen Burns, who forgave her enemies and encouraged Jane to do the same (90; ch. 6). Jane reports of Helen's memorable and eloquent discourse given in Miss Temple's quarters (105; ch. 8). She also mentions that Helen is the person she most cherished in her childhood. Helen seemed to have affected her greatly, for Helen's beliefs are somewhat echoed by Jane in her feelings towards Mrs. Reed. Jane leaves Thornfield Hall to visit Mrs. Reed on her deathbed. While she is there, Jane finally calls her "Aunt Reed," though she had vowed earlier never to do so again (90; ch.6, 68; ch. 4).