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.
They were within twenty yards of each other, and so abrupt was his appearance, that it was impossible to avoid his sight. Their eyes instantly met, and the cheeks of each were overspread with the deepest blush. He absolutely started, and for a moment seemed immoveable from surprise; but shortly recovering himself, advanced towards the party, and spoke to Elizabeth, if not in terms of perfect composure, at least of perfect civility.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote captures a moment of intense emotion and surprise between two characters, highlighting the feelings of attraction and the impact of unexpected encounters.
In this excerpt from Jane Austen's work, the instant connection between the two characters is palpable, illustrating the powerful emotions associated with love and romantic tension. The blushes they exhibit signify both embarrassment and attraction, showcasing how unexpected moments can invoke deep feelings that momentarily paralyze individuals. Their polite interaction, despite the intense feelings, suggests the complexities of navigating romantic feelings in social contexts.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared at a wedding to express the beauty of love at first sight.
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.
He certainly is very agreeable, and I give you leave to like him. You have liked many a stupider person.
A person who is knowingly bent on bad behavior, gets upset when better behavior is expected of them.
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.
She hoped to be wise and reasonable in time; but alas! Alas! She must confess to herself that she was not wise yet.
Similar quotes
We got quiet. The garden was combing her hair and putting on earrings. The house was full of dancing creatures, not male and female but both, two lovers in one body. The books downstairs were reciting their poetry to each other, rubbing together, whispering through the leather covers. Wine was flowing through the water pipes. You had caught my leaping heart in your hand like a fish.
I loved her against reason, against promise, against peace, against hope, against happiness, against all discouragement that could be.
Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning. Dream is also just a word until you decide to fight for it with all your enthusiasm and commitment
To the ego, loving and wanting are the same, whereas true love has no wanting in it, no desire to possess or for your partner to change.
I missed her then but it was an odd sort of missing because by then, I knew the meaning of forever.
From moment then to moment their desire Gained strength, and wisdom fled before love's fire; Passion engulfed them, and these lovers lay Entwined together till the break of day.