Why we love Jane Austen: The 5 gutsiest quotes from her heroines
Jane Austen created some of the most celebrated female characters in English literature. And while they may have come from the genteel drawing rooms of 18th century Britain, many of their bons mots are as pertinent and punchy now as they would have been back then.
To celebrate the introduction today of the new ￡10 note featuring the writer, here are five of the gutsiest quotes from Austen’s most memorable heroines:
1. “He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman's daughter; so far we are equal."
Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice, asserting her worthiness of Mr Darcy with cool and calm politeness.
2. “If a woman doubts as to whether she should accept a man or not, she certainly ought to refuse him. If she can hesitate as to "'Yes,'" she ought to say "'No'" directly. It is not a state to be safely entered into with doubtful feelings, with half a heart.”
Emma Woodhouse dispensing some invaluable relationship advice in Emma.
3. “I have been too much at my ease, too happy, too frank. I have erred against every common-place notion of decorum! I have been open and sincere where I ought to have been reserved, spiritless, dull, and deceitful. Had I talked only of the weather and the roads, and had I spoken only once in ten minutes, this reproach would have been spared."
Marianne Dashwood, deploying biting sarcasm in Sense and Sensibility as she rails against the societal norms of her time and sex.
4. “I hate to hear you talk about all women as if they were fine ladies instead of rational creatures. None of us want to be in calm waters all our lives.”
Anne Elliott, taking a decidedly feminist tone well ahead of her time, in Persuasion.
5. “I always deserve the best treatment because I never put up with any other.”
Emma Woodhouse, with admirable directness, in Emma.
New ￡10 note