(And yes, these are from the book, not any of the film adaptations.)
"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in posession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife."
However much that truth may be denied in these modern times...
"And to all this she must yet add something more substantial, in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading."
Thank you Mr. Darcy! It is important to be a good reader to be a well-rounded person. (Something that I feel most people tragically forget when they enter college.)
"My ideas flow so rapidly that I have not time to express them- by which means my letters sometimes convay no meaning at all to my correspondants."
Dear Mr. Bingley! I think he needs a typewriter, so that he can get his words out quicker...
"How pleasant it is to spend an evening in this way! I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than a book! When I have a house of my own I shall be miserable if I do not have an excellent library."
This is probably the only statement you shall ever utter, Caroline Bingley, that I shall agree with wholeheartedly.
"I have often observed how little young ladies are interested in books of a serious stamp, though written solely for their benefit. It amazes me, I must confess, for, certainly, there can be nothing so advantageous as instruction."
I might agree with you, Mr. Collins, were I not convinced that the books you should consider useful for instruction are completely differant than the ones I would choose.
"That would be the greatest misfortune of all! To find a man agreeable whom one is determined to hate! Do not wish me such an evil!"
Oh Lizzy! But it's Mr. Darcy! How can you say that?
"Oh Mr. Bennet, you are wanted immediatly, we are all in an uproar. You must come and make Lizzy marry Mr. Collins, for she vows she will not have him, and if you do not make haste, he will change his mind and not have her."
Indeed, Mrs. Bennet! And if it's all so shaky as that, why bother?
"An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do."
Thank you, Papa! And what lovely dry humor you utter it in...
"My dear Jane! You are too good. Your sweetness and disinterestness are really angelic. I do not know what to say to you. I feel as if I had never done you justice, or loved you as you deserved."
I am so thankful for the Janes God has put in my life. For there truly are friends whom I could say this to with all honesty.
"Upon my word!" said her ladyship. "You give your opinion very decidely for so young a person. Pray, what is your age?"
"With three younger sisters grown up," replied Elizabeth, smiling, "your ladyship can hardly expect me to own it."
Bravo, Lizzy!
"My dear Eliza, he must be in love with you, or he would never have called on us in this familiar way."
Charlotte, you have uncannily clear sight in all cases but your own. But I must say congratulations to you for being the first to notice...(besides Caroline, of course.)
"In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."
Talk about Romantic! Is it any wonder that we all love Mr. Darcy?
Anyhow, that is only a smattering of why I adore Pride and Prejudice, and indeed, Austen's other works as well. I could try and find some lovely quotes from Emma, Sense and Sensibilty and Northanger Abbey as well, but my mother would throw a fit if I waited any longer to get my lunch.
However, I will say with pride that my younger sister is finally reading and enjoying a work of Austen's- the Gothic parody of Northanger Abbey. She seems quite taken with both Catherine Morland and Henry Tilney so far. (But they are so funny, how can you not?)
And I hope that you all will have a very good Valentine's day...even if you're celebrating "Single Awareness Day" instead.
6 comments:
Ah, yes....My sister read that and raved over it...She also said that Mr. Collins was repulsive, and went around for a while, saying - "Ohhh Mr. Collins, Oooohh!! Boohoo!" I didn't really like it, because my name is Colin...Anyhow, I'm going to have to read it this summer...I'm still dreading it somewhat,...despit the fact that I've heard that she is a great novelest...that does offer some consolation...
"This is probably the only statement you shall ever utter, Caroline Bingley, that I shall agree with wholeheartedly."
My thoughts, exactly. :P I've always secretly agreed with her, even if she was just lying to attain Mr Darcy's good opinion.
Wonderful quotes! :) I really need to buy P&P so I can go re-read my favorite passages without having to check it out from the library whenever the whim takes me.
SignaVeritae- take comfort from the fact that one of the most popular actors ever to play Mr. Darcy (the hero) was COLIN Firth. With that in mind, I'd say you have rather more going FOR you than AGAINST you.
And also, P&P is quite funny. So you can enjoy that. And, despite being romantic, it's not mushy. No one ever kisses in the whole thing.
Delaney- lol!!! She knew exactly what kind of a woman to PRETEND to be to attract Mr. Darcy. Therefore, since we admire Mr. Darcy, we should take no shame in agreeing with her. And honestly, I can sort of feel for her. I've been in similar positions myself.
Oh yes, I know that. But it's all so backward I can't feel right about agreeing with her.
LOL- no, that's understandable, Delaney.
You know, some time back someone wrote a book that is supposed to be "Jane Eyre" from the perspective of ***SPOILER***
Mr. Rochester's 1st wife. From all accounts, it's rather badly done. But I can't help thinking that P&P from Caroline's POV would be QUITE interesting.
I've enjoyed every version of pride and prejudice that I've seen. You picked some great quotes. I have a different opinion about the most romantic book in the world, though.
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