Jane Austen is one of the most beloved authors in English literature. Her novels are known for their wit, charm, and timeless themes. From ‘Pride and Prejudice’ to ‘Sense and Sensibility,’ Austen’s works have captured the hearts of readers for centuries.
One aspect that makes her writing so special is the memorable quotes that continue to resonate with audiences today. Whether it’s a witty remark or a poignant observation about love and society, there is no shortage of excellent quotes from Jane Austen’s books.
In this article, we’ll be exploring some of the best Jane Austen book quotes that have stood the test of time. These lines not only showcase Austen’s talent as a writer but also offer valuable insights into human nature and relationships.
So sit back, relax, and let us take you on a journey through some of the greatest literary gems from one of history’s most celebrated novelists.
“It Is A Truth Universally Acknowledged, That A Single Man In Possession Of A Good Fortune Must Be In Want Of A Wife.” – Pride And Prejudice
It is an indisputable fact that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife. This statement may seem exaggerated, but it holds true for the world portrayed by Jane Austen in her timeless novel Pride and Prejudice.
The society of 19th century England was one where marriage was not just about love but also about securing financial stability and social status. Therefore, it was essential for wealthy bachelors to find suitable partners who would enhance their reputation.
However, this notion did not sit well with some individuals like Elizabeth Bennet, the protagonist of Pride and Prejudice. She believed that marrying solely for wealth or convenience went against the very essence of matrimonial bliss. Her views on marriage were progressive for her time and continue to inspire generations even today.
As Jane Austen once said – ‘The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.’
And so we move onto another masterpiece from the same author- Sense and Sensibility with its own set of memorable quotes that are sure to leave you spellbound!
“I Cannot Fix On The Hour, Or The Spot, Or The Look Or The Words, Which Laid The Foundation. It Is Too Long Ago. I Was In The Middle Before I Knew That I Had Begun.” – Sense And Sensibility
Moving on to another one of Jane Austen’s iconic works, Sense and Sensibility offers readers a glimpse into the world of two sisters with vastly different personalities. The novel is filled with memorable quotes that capture the essence of each character, including this particular quote from Elinor Dashwood: ‘I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.’
This line perfectly encapsulates Elinor’s reserved nature as she struggles to come to terms with her own feelings towards Edward Ferrars.
While Pride and Prejudice may be Austen’s most famous work, Northanger Abbey holds its own when it comes to delivering poignant lines that resonate with readers even centuries later. One such example can be found in Catherine Morland’s declaration: ‘There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves; it is not my nature.’
This statement speaks volumes about Catherine’s loyalty and kind-heartedness towards those she cares about, making her a beloved character among fans of Austen’s novels.
“There Is Nothing I Would Not Do For Those Who Are Really My Friends. I Have No Notion Of Loving People By Halves, It Is Not My Nature.” – Northanger Abbey
Jane Austen’s words in Northanger Abbey echo the sentiment of a true friend. Her declaration, ‘There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends,’ illustrates her unwavering loyalty to those she loves. This statement encapsulates what it means to be a devoted companion, willing to go above and beyond without reservation.
Austen goes on to say, ‘I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature.’ She believes that friendship should never be half-hearted or superficial. It should always be genuine and sincere. True affection involves giving your all and being there for someone through thick and thin.
Friendship requires sacrifice.
Loyalty is key in any relationship.
Genuine love demands wholeheartedness.
As we move into Pride and Prejudice, we see how Austen takes this idea of complete devotion and applies it to romantic relationships as well. In this novel, she famously writes, ‘to be fond of dancing was…towards falling in love.’
Here, we can see how passion and commitment are essential components of any deep connection between two individuals.
“To Be Fond Of Dancing Was A Certain Step Towards Falling In Love.” – Pride And Prejudice
Dancing has always been a symbol of life’s pleasures, an art that can express more than words ever could. It is the physical manifestation of joy and happiness, a celebration of existence itself. To be fond of dancing is to have a deep appreciation for all that life has to offer, to embrace the beauty and wonder of this world.
And yet, there is something even greater that one can fall in love with – literature. The written word holds within it a power that transcends time and space, able to transport us to different worlds and teach us about ourselves in ways we never thought possible.
As Jane Austen once wrote, ‘the person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.’ Indeed, there are few things more enriching than losing oneself in the pages of a well-written book.
“The Person, Be It Gentleman Or Lady, Who Has Not Pleasure In A Good Novel, Must Be Intolerably Stupid.” – Northanger Abbey
If there’s one thing that Jane Austen was passionate about, it was reading. In her novel Northanger Abbey, she writes ‘The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.’
This quote is often cited as evidence of Austen’s belief in the power and importance of literature. Indeed, throughout her work, Austen championed the value of books and storytelling.
Her novels are full of characters who love to read and discuss literature – from Emma Woodhouse’s book club in Emma to Marianne Dashwood’s obsession with romantic fiction in Sense and Sensibility. For Austen, reading was not just a form of entertainment; it was also a way to connect with others and gain insight into the human experience.
As we move on to our next section about ‘there is no charm equal to tenderness of heart.’ from Emma’, we can see how this theme plays out in Austen’s writing.
“There Is No Charm Equal To Tenderness Of Heart.” – Emma
‘There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart,’ spoke Emma, her eyes glimmering with emotion. ‘For it is the very essence of humanity – that capacity for love and kindness that sets us apart from all other creatures.’
Indeed, throughout Jane Austen’s novels, we see time and again how characters who possess this tender heart are the ones most beloved by readers.
From Elizabeth Bennet’s wit and compassion in Pride and Prejudice to Elinor Dashwood’s quiet strength in Sense and Sensibility, it is those who show empathy and understanding towards others who truly capture our hearts.
“We All Have Our Best Guides Within Us, If Only We Would Listen.” – Persuasion
Emma’s words ring true in every aspect of life. The tenderness of the heart is something that cannot be replicated or faked, and it is what makes us human. Jane Austen, with her extraordinary talent for writing, captures these emotions in her books so effortlessly.
Speaking of Jane Austen’s works, there are some quotes that have stayed with readers long after they finish reading the novels. Here are three such quotes:
1. ‘I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than a book!’ – Pride and Prejudice
2. ‘To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.’ – Pride and Prejudice
3. ‘We do not look in great cities for our best morality.’ – Mansfield Park
As we read through Austen’s books, we realize how timeless her themes are even today. Her characters face dilemmas that we can relate to on a personal level, making them unforgettable.
Selfishness might seem unforgivable at times, but as Fanny Price says in ‘Mansfield Park’, it must always be forgiven because there is no hope for a cure. This quote shows how deeply Austen understood human nature and its flaws – yet another reason why she will always remain an iconic author in English literature.
“Selfishness Must Always Be Forgiven You Know, Because There Is No Hope Of A Cure.” – Mansfield Park
Selfishness is something that we all struggle with at times. It’s easy to prioritize our own needs and wants above those of others, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. However, as Jane Austen reminds us in Mansfield Park, selfishness must always be forgiven because there is no hope of a cure.
Take for example the character Mary Crawford in Mansfield Park. She was a beautiful and charming woman who captivated the hearts of many men around her. Despite her obvious talents and appeal, she struggled to put aside her own desires for the sake of others. Her selfish nature led her to make questionable decisions that ultimately resulted in pain and heartache for herself and those around her.
Yet even though she caused harm, it was hard not to sympathize with her struggles given how deeply ingrained her selfish tendencies were.
Austen’s message about forgiveness towards selfish behavior may seem counterintuitive, but it speaks to a deeper truth about human nature. We are all flawed individuals who make mistakes from time to time. By showing compassion towards ourselves and others when we fall short, we can create an environment where growth and change are possible without fear or shame holding us back.
So let us remember Austen’s words and strive towards forgiving selflessly amidst moments of weakness or uncertainty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Are The Main Characters In Pride And Prejudice?
Who’re the main characters in Pride and Prejudice?
The novel is centered around Elizabeth Bennet, the second eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, and Fitzwilliam Darcy, a wealthy gentleman from an aristocratic family.
Other key players include Jane Bennet (Elizabeth’s older sister), Charles Bingley (Darcy’s closest friend), George Wickham (a charming soldier with a hidden agenda), Lydia Bennet (the youngest and most impulsive of the sisters), and Mr. Collins (an awkward clergyman who proposes to Elizabeth).
These characters all play a significant role in the dynamic plot that explores themes such as social class, love, marriage, and reputation.
What Is The Plot Of Sense And Sensibility?
Sense and Sensibility is a novel by Jane Austen that explores the lives of two sisters, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood.
The plot revolves around their experiences with love, heartbreak, and societal expectations in 18th century England.
After the death of their father, the sisters are forced to leave their family home and navigate through various challenges as they search for suitable suitors while dealing with financial struggles.
While Elinor represents sense, practicality, and restraint, Marianne embodies sensibility – impulsiveness, passion, and romanticism.
Through their contrasting personalities and experiences, Austen highlights the complexities of human emotions and relationships.
What Is The Historical Context Of Northanger Abbey?
Northanger Abbey is a novel by Jane Austen that was published in 1818. The story follows the life of Catherine Morland, a young woman who aspires to be like the heroines she reads about in Gothic novels.
Set during the Regency period, Northanger Abbey satirizes the popular literature of its time and explores themes such as social conventions and prejudice. This novel is unique compared to Austen’s other works because it takes on an unconventional narrative structure and features a self-aware protagonist.
It also touches upon topics that were considered taboo during its time, making it a fascinating read for those interested in historical context.
How Does The Theme Of Love Play Out In Emma?
Love is a timeless theme that has been explored in literature for centuries. In Jane Austen’s Emma, the theme of love plays out in various ways, from unrequited to misguided affections.
The novel follows the titular character as she navigates her own romantic interests while meddling in others’. Through witty dialogue and intricate relationships, readers are drawn into a world where love can both uplift and destroy.
As Emma learns valuable lessons about the nature of true affection, we too are reminded of the complexities of human emotion and the power it holds over our lives.
What Is The Significance Of The Title Mansfield Park?
The title of Jane Austen’s novel Mansfield Park is significant in that it refers to the estate where much of the story takes place.
However, it also serves as a symbol for the social hierarchy and class system that pervades the novel.
The park represents the wealth and status of its owners, while also highlighting the vast differences between them and their servants.
This theme is further explored through the character of Fanny Price, who comes from a lower class background but is brought into this world of privilege.
The title thus reflects not only the setting but also the underlying themes of societal norms and expectations present throughout Austen’s works.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jane Austen’s works are a treasure trove of wisdom and wit. Her characters come alive with their quirks and flaws, making them relatable to readers even today. Whether it is Elizabeth Bennet’s sharp tongue in Pride and Prejudice or Emma Woodhouse’s misguided matchmaking attempts in Emma, there is something for everyone.
As I read through her books, I am struck by the timeless nature of her writing. The themes of love, society, and morality resonate just as strongly now as they did during Austen’s time. It is no wonder that she remains one of the most beloved authors in literature.
So let us take a moment to appreciate the brilliance of Jane Austen and all the unforgettable quotes that have enriched our lives.