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A woman of seven and twenty, said Marianne, after pausing a moment, can never hope to feel or inspire affection again.
Jane Austen
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote suggests that a woman at the age of 27 may believe she can no longer experience or inspire love.

In this quote, Jane Austen expresses a sentiment about the fleeting nature of affection and the societal perceptions of women's romantic prospects as they age. Marianne’s comment reflects a belief that youth is inherently tied to the ability to inspire and experience deep romantic feelings, revealing the constraints and expectations placed on women in her time regarding love and relationships.

Themes

LoveAffectionAgingWomenSociety

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be referenced in a discussion about societal expectations for women and romance.

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