ABHOR "That is an expression, Sir John," said Marianne warmly, "which I particularly dislike. I abhor every common-place phrase by which wit is intended; and 'setting one's cap at a man,' or 'making a conquest,' are the most odious of all. Their tendency is gross and illiberal; and if their construction could ever be deemed... Continue Reading →
Vouchsafed intervention
VOUCHSAFED She had even condescended to advise him to marry as soon as he could, provided he chose with discretion; and had once paid him a visit in his humble parsonage; where she had perfectly approved all the alterations he had been making, and had even vouchsafed to suggest some herself, -- some shelves in... Continue Reading →
Thither to Lyme
THITHER Captain Wentworth's anxiety to see him (Captain Harville) had determined him to go immediately to Lyme. He had been there for four-and-twenty hours. His acquittal was complete, his friendship warmly honoured, a lively interest excited for his friend, and his description of the fine country about Lyme so feelingly attended to by the party, that an... Continue Reading →
Solicitude, or saintly?
SOLICITUDE It was her (Fanny Price) intension, as she felt it to be her duty, to try to overcome all that was excessive, all that bordered on selfishness, in her affection for Edmund ... She would endeavour to be rational, and to deserve the right of judging of Miss Crawford's character, and the privilege of true solicitude... Continue Reading →
Northanger Abbey Moments
A violent gust of wind, rising with sudden fury, added fresh horror to the moment. Catherine trembled from head to foot. In the pause which suceeded, a sound like receding footsteps and the closing of a distant door struck on her affrighted ear. The Narrator on Catherine Morland In honor of Halloween, it is appropriate... Continue Reading →
Emma Moments
Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her. The Narrator on Emma Woodhouse The opening line of Emma is so honest! Poor Miss... Continue Reading →
Jane Austen Letter Moments
I think I may boast myself to be, with all possible vanity, the most unlearned and uninformed female who ever dared to be an authoress. The Letters of Jane Austen, 11 December 1815 Unlearned? Uninformed? Vanity? I think NOT! This one line from a letter written to the Rev. James Stanier Clarke, librarian to the Prince... Continue Reading →
Sense and Sensibility Moments
"Oh Elinor," she cried, "you have made me hate myself for ever. How barbarous have I been to you! -- you, who have been my only comfort, who have borne with me in all my misery, who have seemed to be only suffering for me! -- Is this my gratitude? Is this the only return... Continue Reading →
Pride and Prejudice Moment
" Which do you mean?" and turning round, he looked for a moment at Elizabeth, till catching her eye, he withdrew his own and coldly said, "She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me," Mr. Darcy, Pride & Prejudice, Chapter 3 What Janeite does not feel jolting alarm whenever we hear the word... Continue Reading →