Tom Lefroy Quote of the Week 32

The Lefroy family crest

A few days ago I viewed the movie "P.S. I Love You" with one of my favorite actors, Gerard Butler.  He has a lovely Irish accent, oops, I just checked and his accent is Scottish.  Oh, well, I can't tell the difference at any rate.  Anyway part of the film is set in Ireland which of course makes me think of our dear Tom.

 

That film made me think of "Ireland" itself and just exactly why was Tom in that country.  Let me quote from the "Memoir of Chief Justice Lefroy" first.  This is from Chapter 1:

 

Thomas Langlois Lefroy was born on the 8th of January, 1776.  He was the eldest son of Anthony Lefroy, Lieut.-Colonel of the 9th Light Dragoons- the descendant of a Huguenot family, who were obliged to fly from Cambray, at the period of the Duke of Alva's persecution in the Netherlands, and took refuge in England.  The following inscription, on a monument in the Parish Church of Petham, Kent, to the memory of Thomas Lefroy. the great great grandson of Antoine Loffroy, who first emigrated from Cambray, furnishes an interesting record of the circumstances under which the Lefroy family first came to adopt England as their country:

 

Sacred is

THOMAS LEFROY,

OF CANTERBURY,WHO DIED THIRD DAY OF NOVEMBER, 1723, AGED 43

OF A CAMBRESIAN FAMILY,

THAT PREFERRED RELIGION AND LIBERTY

TO

THEIR CONTRY AND THIER PROPERTY,

IN THE

TIME OF THE DUKE OF ALVA'S PERSECUTION.

 

Lieut.-Colonel Lefroy, the father of the subject of this memoir, entered the army in 1763 as Ensign in the 33rd Regiment, then quartered in Ireland, and at the early age of twenty-three married Anna, daughter of Thomas Gerorge Gardner, Esq., of Doonass, in the County of Clare....

 

Jane referred to Tom as "my Irish friend" which led me to believe that he truly was all "Irish".  After looking at the above few details, I began to wonder "just how much "Irish" is he?"  The very name "Lefroy" reminds me of it being 'French' from my studies of French in school.  So his ancestors did indeed come from the French area and landed in England.  I have not followed the exact lineage, but some of those might have married an English woman.  And as it turns out, Tom's father did indeed marry an Irish lady.  So in essence Tom is part French and part Irish.

 

So, on that information I rest my case that Tom was not all Irish, and by that it leads me to wonder about his personal character as defined by his ancestors.  I say that because in my studies of my own ancestors I have noticed certain characteristics that are inherited due to the nationalities of my ancestors.

 

Another subject along these lines is the question "What on earth was the British army doing in Ireland?"  But that is a question for another day!

 

Yrs aff'ly

Linda the Librarian

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 245

Part of the reason for our slow posting of last weeks quote was due to the fact that I was in Wales on a camping weekend. It was a spiritual adventure and very uplifting for the mind, body and soul. The setting was a shelter deep in a valley surrounded by wooded gorges, mountains and a waterfall - pure bliss. I spent a lot of time there meditating and appreciating my surroundings, there is a quote which can be found in Chapter 23 of Persuasion which links to these feelings:

At last Anne was at home again, and happier than any one in that house could have conceived. All the surprise and suspense, and every other painful part of the morning dissipated by this conversation, she re-entered the house so happy as to be obliged to find an alloy in some momentary apprehensions of its being impossible to last. An interval of meditation, serious and grateful, was the best corrective of everything dangerous in such high-wrought felicity; and she went to her room, and grew steadfast and fearless in the thankfulness of her enjoyment.


Pic: Welsh landscape

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 244

I apologise for the lack of quote last weekend, we all have been very busy.

Linda has provided the following:

 

Since my Granddaughter expressed an absolute loathing this week for the subject of History, I was led to explore "The Loiterer" for some idea of the feelings on that subject by the Austen Family.  I found the following in Issue No. 7, subtitled "Use and Advantages of Studying History", and I quote

the first sentence which sets the tone and ideas:

 

If the respective merits of our different studies are to be settled by the pleasure which arises from their pursuit, or the utility which results from their attainment, historic knowledge will justly claim the highest rank amongst our literary acquirement.

 

James then goes on the cover the multitude of problems, and accomplishments of the world.  I heartily recommend reading the entire issue for your enlightment.  You may read it HERE.

 

Yrs aff'ly,

Linda the Librarian

 

Pic: Firsttutors

Death Comes To Pemberley production

 

There a new BBC production of Death Comes To Pemberley in the pipeline. It is said to be the Christmas drama and stars Matthew Rhys (The Americans) and Anna Maxwell Martin (Becoming Jane! and Bleak House) in the leading roles. The story "picks up with Elizabeth and Darcy years after their wedding, where they have two young sons and are preparing for the annual ball at their home."

It is the 2011 sequel to Pride and Prejudice written by the acclaimed P.D. James who is known for crime writing. This will be a three-part drama staring a whole host of reputable british actors and actresses.

How exciting!

Find out more HERE and HERE

Pic: Death Come To Pemberley cover

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 243

Kindly Linda has provided this weeks quote:

 

I recently ran across this Jane Austen Quiz which allows you determine which Jane Austen character you are. I was amazed at the answer I got which was very helpful indeed. You can take the quiz yourself at this link: CLICK HERE.

 

I do hope you find someone you like rather than a less than lovely person. Good luck.

I will add this: my character had a very hopeful meaning for me personally. The further description said: "Don't worry if you think you missed an opportunity in life - you'll find out that second chances do exist." And I am certainly counting on those 'second chances'.

Yrs aff'ly,

Linda the Librarian

 

Pic: Anne Elliot from Persuasion

 

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 242

The post this week has been inspired by our recent email contact with Mariana who has made some great observations based on reports about the confirmation that Jane Austen is to be the new face on
the £10 note here in the UK.
 

Hello dear friends,

As I’m on vacation for few days, I found some more time to dedicate to old friends and reading. I don’t know if you followed the news regarding the threats and hostile tweets addressed to Caroline Criado-Perez after she ran that successful campaign for a women - Jane Austen, to appear on the £10 banknote. For the past few days, Caroline was criticized for taking a stand and asked to stop 'shouting back' not only by men, but as I read in disbelief, by many women, blaming her for the threats she receives. You will probably need to read these articles first and then the quotes from Jane Austen’s books to understand why I cannot and will never agree with, or understand people, especially women who are blaming the victims - I refer here also to those few Janeites who readily agreed (and wrote articles in support of this idea) with a man saying "it seems fairly clear that Jane made all the running" in her youthful romance with Tom Lefroy.

The connection between Austen and the threat of rape

http://bodymattersblogdotcom.wordpress.com/

"The man who discovered evolution has been traded for a bitchy marriage-broker who never married."

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2381041/Jane-Austen-banknote-So-dull-So-rated-Jane-Austen-doesnt-deserve-10-note.html

This quotation is from Northanger Abbey, first draft written as we know it in 1798- 99, a short time after Jane Austen met Tom Lefroy: "You will allow, that in both [matrimony/dancing], man has the advantage of choice, woman only the power of refusal"

It was his choice to invite Jane Austen so many times to dance with him when he knew what people will start gossiping. I’m really amazed how Janeites could write such articles as the one posted on JASNA by Joan Klingel Ray ("The One-Sided Romance of Jane Austen and Tom Lefroy" http://www.jasna.org/persuasions/on-line/vol28no1/ray.htm) and others embrace the idea without giving a second thought to the many constraints for the women at that time.

 

 A few key quotes: 

Northanger Abbey

“A woman, especially, if she have the misfortune of knowing anything, should conceal it as well as she can.”

 

“To come with a well-informed mind is to come with an inability of administering to the vanity of others”

          Persuasion

“I do not think I ever opened a book in my life which had not something to say upon woman's inconstancy.” 

“Songs and proverbs, all talk of woman's fickleness. But perhaps, you will say, these were all written by men."

"Perhaps I shall. Yes, yes, if you please, no reference to examples in books. Men have had every advantage of us in telling their own story.”

“Education has been theirs in so much higher a degree; the pen has been in their hands. I will not allow books to prove anything."

"We never shall. We never can expect to prove anything upon such a point. It is a difference of opinion which does not admit of proof.”

“We each begin, probably, with a little bias towards our own sex; and upon that bias build every circumstance in favour of it which has occurred within our own circle; many of which circumstances (perhaps those very cases which strike us the most) may be precisely such as cannot be brought forward without betraying a confidence, or, in some respect, saying what should not be said."

Wishing you a sunny & joyful Summer!

Lots of hugs,

Mariana

Pic: Jane Austen on £10 note

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 241

Icha has unfortunately been unable to post her quote today so I am posting it for her after just returning from seeing Sense and Sensibility at Nyman's National Trust property in West Sussex. The production was performed by the team at Chapterhouse and really was excellent. It is rather coincidental, but apt, that Icha has chosen a quote this week from Sense and Sensibility. Her email sent below: 

 

This week’s quote is a shortie due to my bad internet connection (and I might have to ask Rachel to post it for me…thanks Rachel!). It also reflects my current journey to places I’ve never been before in Sumatra. I have been traveling for six days, and I won’t be home before this coming Friday. It’s the longest non-stop trip I’ve ever done in like, forever, that I found myself trepidating and stressful before the journey began. But now that I’m in Day Six, and I have ‘only’ four days to go, I find myself getting relaxed. All will be well. There will be challenges, of course, but I believe help is always on the way, as I have encountered so far.

 

So, here’s Sense & Sensibility Chapter 6, first paragraph. The Dashwood ladies were traveling to Devonshire for the first time, and dare I say their journey was definitely not embraced pleasantly in the beginning. But as we know later, it was for a good cause that they moved to Devonshire.

“The first part of their journey was performed in too melancholy a disposition to be otherwise than tedious and unpleasant. But as they drew towards the end of it, their interest in the appearance of a country which they were to inhabit overcame their dejection, and a view of Barton Valley as they entered it gave them cheerfulness.”

I dedicate this quote for myself, and for anyone who is embarking on a totally new journey for the first time in your life. May you find your journey surprisingly pleasant, enriching, and help is always around.

thanks and have a nice weekend,
Icha

Pic: John Dashwood being introduced to Mrs Jennings

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 240

In the UK this week we have had excellent weather and an abundance of strawberries. I was making an Eton Mess this afternoon and thought I would use a quote from Chapter 42 of Emma which is uplifting and really makes me smile:

"Mrs. Elton, in all her apparatus of happiness, her large bonnet and her basket, was very ready to lead the way in gathering, accepting, or talking—strawberries, and only strawberries, could now be thought or spoken of.—"The best fruit in England—every body's favourite—always wholesome.—These the finest beds and finest sorts.—Delightful to gather for one's self—the only way of really enjoying them.—Morning decidedly the best time—never tired—every sort good—hautboy infinitely superior—no comparison—the others hardly eatable—hautboys very scarce—Chili preferred—white wood finest flavour of all—price of strawberries in London—abundance about Bristol—Maple Grove—cultivation-beds when to be renewed—gardeners thinking exactly different—no general rule—gardeners never to be put out of their way—delicious fruit—only too rich to be eaten much of—inferior to cherries—currants more refreshing—only objection to gathering strawberries the stooping—glaring sun—tired to death—could bear it no longer—must go and sit in the shade."

 

Pic 1:  Mrs Elton from Emma (1996)
Pic 2: Strawberries

Tom Lefroy Quote of the Week 31

 

Thomas Langlois Lefroy by George Engleheart

I wish to quote the next sentence after the one posted about Tom concerning his 'fatherly' attributes made in my last "Tom" quote.  It is in the first paragraph of the "Memoir of Chief Justice Lefroy" by his son Thomas Lefroy.  As I said before you can read the Memoir HERE.  The sentence gives us a wonderful picture of his enduring character:

 

To those who did know him, it will be interesting to retrace some of the steps of one who, through all the arduous duties of professional, political, and judicial life, seemed to live in constant communion with Him who was the source of that singularly unruffled peace of mind which characterized his whole career.

 

Yrs aff'ly,

Linda the Librarian

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 239

Darcy & Elizabeth in argument (PP 2005)

My apologies of this week’s belated quote. I had some reflective moments on my own, and it took me some time to get the right quote for my reflections. I eventually ended up with the discourse between Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet in Chapter 11 of Pride and Prejudice. The following quote is taken from Pemberley.com, starting from Lizzy’s narrative:

``I am perfectly convinced by it that Mr. Darcy has no defect. He owns it himself without disguise.''

``No'' -- said Darcy, ``I have made no such pretension. I have faults enough, but they are not, I hope, of understanding. My temper I dare not vouch for. -- It is I believe too little yielding -- certainly too little for the convenience of the world. I cannot forget the follies and vices of others so soon as I ought, nor their offences against myself. My feelings are not puffed about with every attempt to move them. My temper would perhaps be called resentful. -- My good opinion once lost is lost for ever.''

``That is a failing indeed!'' -- cried Elizabeth. ``Implacable resentment is a shade in a character. But you have chosen your fault well. -- I really cannot laugh at it; you are safe from me.''

``There is, I believe, in every disposition a tendency to some particular evil, a natural defect, which not even the best education can overcome.''

``And your defect is a propensity to hate every body.''

``And yours,'' he replied with a smile, ``is wilfully to misunderstand them.''

I used to write a quote focusing on the famous ‘My good opinion once lost is lost for ever’. But now, I want to focus on the whole narrative above. Both Lizzy and Darcy have defects; Lizzy being wilfully misunderstanding people, while Darcy has the inclination to lose his good opinion forever. Everyone has defects. We try to live with them, we try to overcome them.

But one thing made me realise last night. One of the reasons of the different opinions or take on life between Darcy and Lizzy is because of their different personal histories. Certainly, Darcy being rich and Lizzy being a middle class woman owned to their different personal histories. But personal histories are made of much more than the money one has, or wealth one has not. Many things composed a person’s personal history. 

Now I realise that when I interact with someone, I don’t only interact with that person. There’s a big chance that I will interact with his or her personal history, as she/he will interact with my personal history. My take on a topic can be different from this person’s take on a topic because we have different journeys that took us to this point in life.

Darcy and Lizzy had different journeys that took them to that point in life in Pemberley. All of us do. And that’s where the term ‘I understand where you’re coming from’ came from. Not that you came from a rich family or poor, from Europe, USA, Asia or Africa... not just that. The entire history of a person is encapsulated in that person. At times, we will interact not just with that person; but also with that person’s history. 

And that’s where clashes can emerge. Because we often don’t realise that our different takes on a topic can be the result of our different personal histories. 

It happened to me last night. I was having a conversation with a friend, and then things went south because she wondered why I reacted so strongly to a topic, while to her it’s not really a big deal. I then said something which actually referred to the possibility that we had different takes on this topic because of our different personal histories/backgrounds. That time, she was the one who misunderstood me. 

I am sorry that I had an argument with my friend. I will write to her expressing my regret; explaining that we indeed can see things differently because of different things that had happened in our lives prior to this moment. And it’s okay to agree to disagree, without diminishing one’s own feelings or opinions about a certain topic. 

I hope I can patch things up with her. 

And this is why I’m writing you this now. Because, at times, we forget that our arguments and differences are because of the different journeys that have taken us to this point in life. And it’s okay to own them, while at the same time striving to overcome them as well.

Jane Austen to be the new face on the £10 note!

In the United Kingdom, there has been many reports suggesting that Jane Austen is to become the new face on the £10 notes.

There has been recent concern as Elizabeth Fry (social reformer) will be removed from the current £5 note. This has caused much controversy, including protest from Caroline Criado-Perez, a women’s rights campaigner, who has launched an online petition to keep a woman on British banknotes.

Sir Mervyn King (Economist and Governor of the Bank of England) has stated “Whenever we launch a new note, we always have two notes running in parallel – the figure we are using and a reserve figure in case there are any technical issues ... The figure we have been working with for two years [on the £10 bank note], I have said before is a woman and I can tell you today it’s Jane Austen. The Jane Austen note has been up and running internally for the last two years.”

How fantastic! Great news for us Jane fans and for famous females!

Pic 1: Daily Mail Charles Darwin on £10 note

Pic 2: Huffington Post Jane Austen on note

Information taken from Telegraph article

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

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 234

It is indeed a fine wall of books, is it not?

 

Because I have a granddaughter who loves to read as I did when I was her age, it brings to mind the Jane Austen saying about being a "great reader".  So I went looking in The Loiterer for a quote and found this in the No. 9 issue, supposedly written by Jane herself.

 

I write this to inform you that you are very much out of my good graces, and that, if you do not mend your manners, I shall soon drop your acquaintance.  You must know, Sir, I am a great reader, and not to mention some hundred volumes of Novels and Plays, have, in the last two summers, actually got through all the entertaining papers of our most celebrated periodical writers, from the Tatler and Spectator to the Microcosm and the Olla Podrida.  Indeed I love a periodical work beyond any thing, especially those in which one meets with a great many stories, and where the papers are not too long.  I assure you my heart beat with joy when I first heard of your publication, which I immediately sent for, and have taken in ever since.

 

I love the part where she lists the other Periodicals of the time which I have in recent years been collecting.  I am amazed at the amount of knowledge that was displayed in them that is so pertinent today.  What a challenge she has given us to at least try to keep up with her reading abilities.

 

You may read the entire Issue No. 9 HERE.  Enjoy.

 

Yrs aff'ly,

Linda the Librarian

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 233

My apologies for the late instalment this week (well, last weekend for most of the world now). I have internet problem at home, and I have to do the quote now at the office (shuuussshhh...).

Emma (Romola Garai) and Knightley (Jonny L. Miller) 2009

Anyway, I love the relationship between Mr Knightley and Emma in ‘Emma’. To me, Mr Knightley is the most realistic gentleman you can have for our current era. He does apply to the Regency era as well, of course. His chemistry with Emma is apparent through their banters.

However, I do have a dose of complain to Mr Knightley, and very critical gentlemen like him. They don’t know how to do romance at all! I mean, take a look at this passage from Chapter 1:

Mr. Knightley, in fact, was one of the few people who could see faults in Emma Woodhouse, and the only one who ever told her of them: and though this was not particularly agreeable to Emma herself, she knew it would be so much less so to her father, that she would not have him really suspect such a circumstance as her not being thought perfect by every body.

"Emma knows I never flatter her," said Mr. Knightley, "but I meant no reflection on any body. Miss Taylor has been used to have two persons to please; she will now have but one. The chances are that she must be a gainer."

Point taken, Knightley. And it’s actually admirable that you can say those things unrestrained to Emma; God knows the girl needs it. But now and then, Knightley, it’s okay to say something romantic to Emma. And of course when he does, Emma melts right away.

But I take it, a Knightley-type of person will only reserve his romantic comments or gestures just for very special occasions. And for girls, those occasions can be too far in between. People like Knightley need to balance their objective remarks with romantic gestures every now and then. And I don’t mean once in a blue moon or once in a year. It should be more often than that.