Jane Austen Quote of the Week 238

Icha has contacted me to say that she is suffering from fever and headache so I decided to pick an apt quote for her today. From Sense and Sensibility, chapter 43, Marianne is showing signs of fever and deteriorating sickness.

"A very restless and feverish night, however, disappointed the expectation of both; and when Marianne, after persisting in rising, confessed herself unable to sit up, and returned voluntarily to her bed, Elinor was very ready to adopt Mrs. Jennings's advice, of sending for the Palmers' apothecary."

And later ...

"Elinor could not be cheerful. Her joy was of a different kind, and led to anything rather than to gaiety. Marianne restored to life, health, friends, and to her doating mother, was an idea to fill her heart with sensations of exquisite comfort, and expand it in fervent gratitude; -- but it led to no outward demonstrations of joy, no words, no smiles. All within Elinor's breast was satisfaction, silent and strong."

Get well soon Icha x

Pic: imdb Marianne and Elinor

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 237

My quote for this week is taken from chapter 11 of Emma.

"Mr. Elton must now be left to himself. It was no longer in Emma's power to superintend his happiness or quicken his measures. The coming of her sister's family was so very near at hand, that first in anticipation, and then in reality, it became henceforth her prime object of interest; and during the ten days of their stay at Hartfield it was not to be expected--she did not herself expect-- that any thing beyond occasional, fortuitous assistance could be afforded by her to the lovers. They might advance rapidly if they would, however; they must advance somehow or other whether they would or no. She hardly wished to have more leisure for them. There are people, who the more you do for them, the less they will do for themselves."

My job at the moment involves mentoring and supporting young people and this quote always sticks in my mind but particularly at this time in the work that I am doing - Jane Austen's words are just so wise. We must provide people with the tools and advice to enable them to help themselves rather than simply act to do these things for them.

I hope you all have a lovely week.

Pic: Mr Elton and Harriet- costumedramas

Tom Lefroy Quote of the Week 30

A bust statue of the older Tom Lefroy

This weekend on June 16, 2013 we have Father's Day once again here in the U.S., so I thought it would be nice to quote something "fatherly" about Tom.

 

This quote is taken from the "Memoir of Chief Justice Lefroy" by his son, Thomas Lefroy, M.A., Q.C.  You can read the Memoir online HERE.    Here is the first sentence of the Memoir written by his son, Thomas, himself:

 

The following Memoir of the Right Honourable Thomas Langlois Lefroy, late Chief Justice of Ireland, has been written, not so much as a record of his public career as of those traits of character which, in private life, endeared him to all who had the privilege of enjoying his society; and in the hope that the bright example he has left behind, in the unswerving consistency of his political principles, the simplicity of his Christian faith, and his deep humility, may be blessed to many who knew him not while here.

 

Yrs aff'ly,

Linda the Librarian

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 236

A painting by R Sharples

I have had the subject of "Ladies Fashions" on my mind for a few years now and it hit me that I should do some 'fashion' research on Jane Austen.  Well, what I found knocked my socks off.

 

I discovered a page on my own web site written by my late friend, Ashton Dennis, concerning fashion in the Regency period (I almost fainted for I had forgotten about it).  Here is a quote from his page titled "Women Writers and Other Influences In Jane Austen's Time -  A Male Voices Web Page" and the first section is titled "Fashion in the Regency Period":

 

The time of Jane Austen was an historical period in which English fashion moved away, for a time, from the more restrictive undergarments.  Such things were worn before and after this period, but less so during.

 

I heartily recommend the entire page for your reading since he covers so much of the influences for Jane.  You may find the page HERE.

 

Yrs aff'ly,

Linda the Librarian

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 235

I have reached a stage in my life where I am wondering how my life will pan out - I now don't have the naïve security of being young but also don't have the wisdom and experience of many years.
I have found myself re-reading Persuasion as I suppose I feel a personal relevance at the moment and perhaps subconsciously I am striving for my own Frederick Wentworth but not sure where to find him!

This quote is taken from the early part of chapter 1 and is talking about Elizabeth Elliot, the elder sister of Anne - now although I have selected this quote it is not because I see myself as anything like Elizabeth nor in a conflict with my religious views. Overall I regard Elizabeth as rather selfish, it is just that these words stood out for me and if I am honest I suppose some of the feelings were familiar.

"she had the consciousness of being nine-and-twenty, to give her some regrets and some apprehensions. She was fully satisfied of being still quite handsome as ever; but she felt her approach to the years of danger, and would have rejoiced to be certain of being properly solicited by baronet-blood within the next twelve-month or two. Then might she again take up the book of books with as much enjoyment as in her early youth; but now she liked it not. Always to be presented with the date of her own birth and see no marriage follow but that of a younger sister, made the book an evil; and more than once, when her father had left it open on the table near her, had she closed it, with averted eyes, and pushed it away."

I chose to be like Anne, in search of something special yet remaining independent and passionate.

Pic: Persuasion