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CONSCIENCE "A man who has nothing to do with his own time has no conscience in his intrusion on that of others." Marianne Dashwood on Colonel Brandon, Sense & Sensibility, Chapter 31 This is a profound statement from a young lady who herself, has nothing to do with her own time! Isn't this like calling... Continue Reading →
ELEGANCEÂ I had great amusement among the pictures (Somerset House); and the driving about, the carriage being open, was very pleasant. I liked my solitary elegance very much, and was ready to laugh all the time at my being where I has. I could not but feel that I had a naturally small right to... Continue Reading →
INSIPIDITY There was nothing in any of the party which could recommend them as companions to the Dashwoods; but the cold insipidity of Lady Middleton was so particularly repulsive, that in comparison of it the gravity of Colonel Brandon, and even the boisterous mirth of Sir John and his mother-in-law, was interesting. Lady Middleton seemed... Continue Reading →
PROGNOSTICS Jane was therefore obliged to go on horseback, and her mother attended her to the door with many cheerful prognostics of a bad day. Her hopes were answered: Jane had not been gone long before it rained hard. Her sisters were uneasy for her, but her mother was delighted. The rain continued the whole... Continue Reading →
DIGNIFIEDÂ Sir Walter had taken a very good house in Camden Place, a lofty dignified situation, such as becomes a man of consequence; and both he and Elizabeth were settled there, much to their satisfaction. Sir Walter Elliot, Persuasion, Chapter 15 I find it amusing that Sir Walter chose a location for his 'retrenchment' home... Continue Reading →
EARNESTNESS She (Fanny Price) told him that she did not love him (Henry Crawford), could not love him, was sure she never should love him; that such a change was quite impossible; that the subject was most painful to her; that she must entreat him never to mention it again, to allow her to leave... Continue Reading →
PERPLEXITY To compose a letter which might at once do justice to her sentiments and her situation, convey gratitude without servile regret, be guarded without coldness, and honest without resentment - a letter which Eleanor might not be pained by the perusal of - and, above all, which she might not blush herself, if Henry... Continue Reading →
INSUFFERABLE "Insufferable woman!" was her immediate exclamation. "Worse than I had supposed. Absolutely insufferable! Knightley! I could not have believed it. Knightley! never seen him in her life before, and call him Knightley! and discover that he is a gentleman! A little upstart, vulgar being, with her Mr. E., and her caro sposo, and her... Continue Reading →
EMOLUMENT I am very much flattered by your commendation of my last letter, for I write only for fame, and without any view to pecuniary emolument. Letter to Cassandra Austen, 16 January 1796, The Letters of Jane Austen Sometimes I take Jane Austen for granted. She is just there, - - like Starbucks and under-wire bras. But... Continue Reading →
EXQUISITE His society became gradually her most exquisite enjoyment. They read, they talked, they sang together; his musical talents were considerable; and he read with all the sensibility and spirit which Edward had unfortunately wanted. The Narrator on Mr. Willoughby, Sense & Sensibility, Chapter 10 From first appearances, John Willoughby is a gentleman whose ardent attentions to... Continue Reading →
CONSEQUENCE Upon Lady Russell's appearance soon afterwards, the whole party was collected, and all that remained was to marshal themselves, and proceed into the Concert Room; and be of all the consequence in their power, draw as many eyes, excite as many whispers, and disturb as many people as they could. The Narrator on Sir... Continue Reading →
APPROBATIONÂ Miss Crawford smiled her perfect approbation; and hastened to complete the gift by putting the necklace round her, and making her see how well it looked. Fanny had not a word to say against its becomingness, and, excepting what remained of her scruples, was exceedingly pleased with an acquisition so very apropos. She would... Continue Reading →
