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 frequently observe that one pretty face would be followed by five and thirty frights.
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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He certainly is very agreeable, and I give you leave to like him. You have liked many a stupider person.
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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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