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
Ah, mother! How do you do?' said he, giving her a hearty shake of the hand; 'Where did you get that quiz of a hat? It makes you look like an old witch...' On his two younger sisters he then bestowed an equal portion of his fraternal tenderness, for he asked each of them how they did, and observed that they both looked very ugly.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote humorously depicts a character's affectionate yet blunt interaction with his family, emphasizing the love and teasing that often accompanies family relationships.
In this quote by Jane Austen, the character engages with his mother and sisters in a manner that blends affection with playful teasing. The humor lies in his hearty greeting juxtaposed with his unfiltered comments on their appearances, which reflects a common dynamic in familial relationships where love is expressed not only through kindness but also through gentle ribbing. This interplay showcases both the warmth of familial bonds and the social nuances of communication within the family structure.
Themes
FamilyHumorAffectionRelationshipsTeasing
In practice
Example use cases
In a family gathering speech, one could use this quote to highlight the light-hearted interactions typical among loved ones.
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.
Jane AustenRead
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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