Jane Austen Quote of the Week - Week 160

My chosen quote this week is from the opening words of chapter 6 of Persuasion.
Anne is leaving Kellynch Hall and visiting Uppercross where the Musgroves live.

"Anne had not wanted this visit to Uppercross, to learn that a removal from one set of people to another, though at a distance of only three miles, will often include a total change of conversation, opinion, and idea. She had never been staying there before, without being struck by it, or without wishing that other Elliots could have her advantage in seeing how unknown, or unconsidered there, were the affairs which at Kellynch Hall were treated as of such general publicity and pervading interest; yet, with all this experience, she believed she must now submit to feel that another lesson, in the art of knowing our own nothingness beyond our own circle, was become necessary for her; for certainly, coming as she did, with a heart full of the subject which had been completely occupying both houses in Kellynch for many weeks, she had expected rather more curiosity and sympathy than she found..."

I have bolded the line of particular interest. I chose this quote in light of the media frenzy which has been going on in the last few weeks in relation to phone hacking and immoral journalism. 200 years ago communication was so limited in comparison to the society of today; opinions and ideas changed with movement of only 3 miles. Now we are all subject to influence and are fed with opinions that we later vocalise as our own- the overwhelming power that the many newspapers, internet and television holds over us is really scary. I dont know about you but I would like to be transported back 200 years to have tea with Jane and formulate my own opinions with less interference.

Pic: Austenprose