Quotable Quotes

Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen

Norton Critical Edition, 3rd edition

She was a woman of mean understanding, little information, and uncertain temper. When she was discontented she fancied herself nervous. (page 4)

"There is so much of gratitude or vanity in almost every attachment, that it is not safe to leave any to itself. We can all begin freely -- a slight preference is natural enough; but there are very few of us who have heart enough to be really in love without encouragement. In nine cases out of ten, a woman had better shew more affection than she feels." (Charlotte Lucas, 15)

"Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. If the dispositions of the parties are ever so well known to each other, or ever so similar before-hand, it does not advance their felicity in the least. They always contrive to grow sufficiently unlike afterwards to have their share of vexation; and it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life." (C.L., 16)

"It is very often nothing but our own vanity that deceives us. Women fancy admiration means more than it does."
"And men take care that they should."
(Jane Bennet and Elizabeth Bennet, 91)

Miss Bingley's congratulations to her brother, on his approaching marriage, were all that was affectionate and insincere. (page 250)

Happy for all her maternal feelings was the day on which Mrs. Bennet got rid of her two most deserving daughters. (page 251)

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