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
She is probably by this time as tired of me, as I am of her; but as she is too Polite and I am too civil to say so, our letters are still as frequent and affectionate as ever, and our Attachment as firm and sincere as when it first commenced.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the complexity of human relationships, where affection persists despite fatigue and unexpressed feelings.
In this quote, Jane Austen captures the nuanced dynamics of a relationship where both individuals have likely grown tired of each other yet maintain a facade of warmth and affection due to politeness and civility. It highlights how, even in times of weariness, the bonds of attachment can remain strong when cultivated with sincere communication and mutual respect, painting a picture of the complexities involved in maintaining relationships over time.
Themes
RelationshipsAffectionPolitenessAttachmentCommunication
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the value of long-term relationships, one might quote Austen to highlight the challenges and enduring love that can exist between partners.
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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