Jane Austen Quote of the Week 210

I have chosen my quotes from Northanger Abbey. This week I have been thinking lots about relationships and the dynamics between the different personalities of men and women. I may be generalising but I see cases where us women often expect things from men that they simply cannot offer, often due to the fact that they do not think rather than do not care. This led me to thinking about how sometimes women can demonstrate a manipulative nature in terms of relationships.

Henry and Catherine are discussing Isabella Thorpe in in chapter 19 of the novel. Catherine is explaining to Henry how she feels that the attentions of Frederick (Henry's older brother) towards Isabelle are upsetting her brother James' as James and Isabella are engaged to be married.

“Is it my brother’s attentions to Miss Thorpe, or Miss Thorpe’s admission of them, that gives the pain?”

“Is not it the same thing?”

“I think Mr. Morland would acknowledge a difference. No man is offended by another man’s admiration of the woman he loves; it is the woman only who can make it a torment.”

This is a very astute observation by our dear Jane. I think that some women found in these situations can certainly relish in the attention, I have definitely seen it.

This is linked to another quote from chapter 6 where Isabella and Catherine are talking about a potential love interest for Catherine:

"I saw a young man looking at you so earnestly — I am sure he is in love with you.” Catherine coloured, and disclaimed again. Isabella laughed. “It is very true, upon my honour, but I see how it is; you are indifferent to everybody’s admiration, except that of one gentleman, who shall be nameless. Nay, I cannot blame you” — speaking more seriously — “your feelings are easily understood. Where the heart is really attached, I know very well how little one can be pleased with the attention of anybody else. Everything is so insipid, so uninteresting, that does not relate to the beloved object! I can perfectly comprehend your feelings.”


I dont think any of us can deny this!   Pic: Catherine and Isabella