Sunday 16 May 2010

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 108 by Linda

In Emma, Chapter 8, we find Emma and Mr. Knightley discussing the fact that Harriet has refused Mr. Martin. Emma observes:

Oh! to be sure," cried Emma, "it is always incomprehensible to a man that a woman should ever refuse an offer of marriage. A man always imagines a woman to be ready for anybody who asks her."

"Nonsense! a man does not imagine any such thing. But what is the meaning of this? Harriet Smith refuse Robert Martin? madness, if it is so; but I hope you are mistaken."

Emma states a point of view that I happen to agree with, but then Mr. Knightley says it isn’t so! Whom am I to believe? Perhaps there is a bit of truth in both, depending on the individuals involved? Hmm. Miss Austen always gives us some ‘food for thought’.

Linda the Librarian

Pic: Cover to Emma 1996 DVD (Beckinsale). Kate was so cute there!


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