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
I particularly recollect your saying one night, after they had been dining at Netherfield, 'SHE a beauty!--I should as soon call her mother a wit.' But afterwards she seemed to improve on you, and I believe you thought her rather pretty at one time." "Yes," replied Darcy, who could contain himself no longer, "but THAT was only when I first saw her, for it is many months since I have considered her as one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the transformation of perception regarding beauty over time and not judging others based on first impressions.
In this exchange between Darcy and the speaker, there is a clear illustration of how initial judgments about a person's appearance can evolve as we get to know them better. It highlights the notion that beauty is subjective and can grow from deeper understanding and appreciation of someone's character. An initial opinion can change, revealing that beauty is not merely what meets the eye but rather a combination of personal experiences and emotional connections.
Themes
BeautyPerceptionFirst ImpressionsLoveUglinessUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about physical appearance versus inner beauty, this quote can serve as a reminder that first impressions aren't always reliable.
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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