I pay very little regard...to what any young person says on the subject of marriage. If they profess a disinclination for it, I only set it down that they have not yet seen the right person.
Jane AustenRead
The advantages of natural folly in a beautiful girl have been already set forth by the capital pen of a sister author; and to her treatment of the subject I will only add, in justice to men, that though to the larger and more trifling part of the sex, imbecility in females is a great enhancement of their personal charms, there is a portion of them too reasonable and too well informed themselves to desire anything more in woman than ignorance
Interpretation
What this quote means
Jane Austen criticizes the societal perception that ignorance enhances a woman's beauty, suggesting that some men ultimately value intelligence over superficial charm.
In this quote, Jane Austen reflects on the societal norms that perceive a certain level of foolishness or ignorance in women as attractive. She acknowledges that while some men may be drawn to women's naivety, there exists a segment of men who appreciate intelligence and knowledge in women. This statement encourages a deeper examination of gender roles and the value placed on women's intellect versus their physical appearance.
Themes
FeminismIntelligenceBeautySocietyGender RolesFemininity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during discussions on gender equality in literature.
More from Jane Austen
All quotes →Nobody could catch cold by the sea; nobody wanted appetite by the sea; nobody wanted spirits; nobody wanted strength. Sea air was healing, softening, relaxing - fortifying and bracing - seemingly just as was wanted - sometimes one, sometimes the other. If the sea breeze failed, the seabath was the certain corrective; and where bathing disagreed, the sea air alone was evidently designed by nature for the cure.
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He certainly is very agreeable, and I give you leave to like him. You have liked many a stupider person.
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A person who is knowingly bent on bad behavior, gets upset when better behavior is expected of them.
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You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever.
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She hoped to be wise and reasonable in time; but alas! Alas! She must confess to herself that she was not wise yet.
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