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
Real solemn history, I cannot be interested in.... The quarrels of popes and kings, with wars and pestilences in every page; the men all so good for nothing, and hardly any women at all.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects a critique of traditional historical narratives that focus on power struggles and wars, suggesting a lack of genuine human interest.
Jane Austen expresses her disinterest in conventional history, which typically emphasizes the conflicts between powerful figures like popes and kings, often portraying a grim view of humanity. She highlights the absence of women and the futility of male-dominated narratives, advocating for a more inclusive understanding of history that recognizes the experiences of all people, not just those in positions of power.
Themes
HistoryPowerHumanityGenderNarrative
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on gender studies, you might reference this quote to illustrate the need for diverse perspectives in historical narratives.
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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