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
Mr. Bennet, how can you abuse your own children in such a way? You take delight in vexing me. You have no compassion for my poor nerves." "You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration these last twenty years at least.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the dynamics of a relationship where sarcasm and humor are used to cope with emotional strain.
In this exchange between Mr. Bennet and his wife, the interplay of sarcasm and affection reveals the complexities of their relationship. Mrs. Bennet expresses her frustration over Mr. Bennet's teasing nature, which she feels undermines her emotional state. In return, Mr. Bennet responds with a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgment of her 'nerves,' suggesting both familiarity and a playful dismissal of her concerns. This dynamic showcases how humor can both edge into cruelty and serve as a means to navigate the stresses of familial bonds.
Themes
RelationshipsHumorEmotionFamilyCommunication
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of humor in relationships.
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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