How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
[A] small swing looking-glass was disclosed, in which she proceeded to survey herself attentively. She parted her lips, and smiled. (1.13)
What a first impression. The first thing Bathsheba does in this novel is take out a little mirror and stare at herself in it. Granted, she's beautiful. But seriously? That's a little narcissistic.
Quote #2
There was no necessity whatever for her looking in the glass. She did not adjust her hat, or pat her hair, or press a dimple into shape […] (1.15)
It's not like Bathsheba needs to fix her hair or makeup. She just wants to look at her own prettiness. As far as first impressions go, this one tells us pretty clearly that Bathsheba is a vain woman. It's no wonder that she later refuses Gabriel's marriage proposal because she thinks she's too good for him.
Quote #3
Gabriel, perhaps a little piqued by the comely traveller's indifference, glanced back to where he had witnessed her performance over the hedge, and said, "Vanity." (1.29)
We're not alone in thinking that Bathsheba is a vain person. It takes only a glance for a wily guy like Gabriel to size up her enormous ego. But then again, it's not like Gabriel is walking away from her. She might have an ego, but he also totally falls in love with her because of how beautiful he finds her. Go figure.