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I frequently observe that one pretty face would be followed by five and thirty frights.
Jane Austen
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Attractiveness can often overshadow deeper qualities, revealing an imbalance in how we perceive beauty.

In this quote, Jane Austen reflects on the societal tendency to be captivated by physical beauty, suggesting that while one attractive individual may catch our attention, they are often surrounded by many who do not possess the same appeal. This observation highlights a superficiality in attraction, where a single beautiful face can starkly contrast with others perceived as less attractive, prompting a consideration of the deeper attributes that define true worth beyond appearances.

Themes

BeautyAttractionUglinessPerceptionSociety

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about societal standards of beauty and how they affect self-esteem.

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