A merry child would have the advantage of him on this hearth

[Irelia20150604]

The quotation comes from Charlotte Brontë – Jane Eyre (Chap. 34) | Genius

Quotation: Well may he eschew the calm of domestic life; it is not his element: there his faculties stagnate—they cannot develop or appear to advantage. It is in scenes of strife and danger—where courage is proved, and energy exercised, and fortitude tasked—that he will speak and move, the leader and superior. A merry child would have the advantage of him on this hearth. He is right to choose a missionary’s career—I see it now.”
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Hi everyone! I don’t quite understand the bold part. I try to interpret it as below. Is it correct?

Hearth => 2. home and family life
The sentence => a merry child would be more suitable than him for this family life.

 

[natkretep]

If X has the advantage of Y, X is superior to Y in some way.

I suppose on the hearth, we look for people who can entertain or amuse. A merry child would do that better than St John.

 

[Irelia20150604]

Thank you for your explanation. I've learned more.

So does "hearth" here just mean "the floor of a fireplace, often extending into a room"?

 

[natkretep]

I think your explanation of hearth is correct. It is just the symbol of domestic life, and perhaps focussing on the family being together in the sitting room in front of the fireplace.