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.
Half the sum of attraction, on either side, might have been enough, for he had nothing to do, and she had hardly any body to love." (of Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth, Persuasion)
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the idea that mutual attraction can be enough to initiate a relationship, even when circumstances are not ideal.
In this quote from 'Persuasion' by Jane Austen, the author explores the theme of romantic attraction, suggesting that sometimes, a deep connection is all that is needed for a relationship to blossom. The characters of Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth find themselves in a position where they are drawn to each other despite various obstacles, emphasizing the importance of emotional bonds over societal pressures and personal circumstances.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a conversation about the complexities of love and attraction when discussing romantic relationships.
More from Jane Austen
All quotes βNobody 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.
He certainly is very agreeable, and I give you leave to like him. You have liked many a stupider person.
A person who is knowingly bent on bad behavior, gets upset when better behavior is expected of them.
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.
She hoped to be wise and reasonable in time; but alas! Alas! She must confess to herself that she was not wise yet.
Similar quotes
Love is the sea where intellect drowns.
Lovers who are free to go when they are restless always come back; lovers who are free to change remain interesting. The bitter animosity and obscenity of divorce is unknown where individuals have not become Siamese twins.
Real love is figuring out how someone wants to be loved and loving them in that way.
A heat full of coldness, a sweet full of bitterness, a pain full of pleasantness, which maketh thoughts have eyes and hearts ears, bred by desire, nursed by delight, weaned by jealousy, kill'd by dissembling, buried by ingratitude, and this is love.
Nothing new here, except my marrying, which to me is a matter of profound wonder.
Love is a horse with a broken leg trying to stand while 45,000 people watch.