Jane Austen Quote of the Week 282

I am sorry for the delay in posting a quote this week, I have been very busy and have not had any time for relaxing and reflecting. I have recently started a counselling course and a requirement of the course is that a journal is kept, in rushing to complete this last minute before the next session I realised that this was quite ridiculous and wondered what Jane had to say about making time for reflection.


In Pride and Prejudice Chapter 37 Elizabeth is also contemplating:


"Lady Catherine had many other questions to ask respecting their journey, and as she did not answer them all herself, attention was necessary, which Elizabeth believed to be lucky for her, or, with a mind so occupied, she might have forgotten where she was. Reflection must be reserved for solitary hours; whenever she was alone, she gave way to it as the greatest relief; and not a day went by without a solitary walk, in which she might indulge in all the delight of unpleasant recollections."


Large note to self, make more time for solitary reflection. I think that without it the world becomes too busy and confusing.

Pic: Mansfield park quote

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 281

I just saw the movie "Belle" recently (in the last week) and noticed a slight similarity to Jane's "Mansfield Park". See what you think.

Fanny Price was a lesser {meaning poor} relative of the of the Bertrams who "took her in". Then Sir Thomas Bertram had business in the islands off the USA (I forget the exact location} which brings in the slavery issue.

Next, there is the real Lord Mansfield who as Lord Chief Justice tries to end slavery in England. He died in 1788, so I will take a wild guess that there is a possibility that Jane may have heard of him and his family.

And finally, there is the co-incidence that Jane named the Bertram's estate "Mansfield".

What say you?

Yrs aff'ly,

Linda the Librarian - with a wild imagination

Pic 1: Scene from Belle (2014)

Pic 2: Scene from Mansfield Park (1999)

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 277

Hayley Atwell as Mary Crawford, Mansfield Park 2007

I received an email a few days ago that brought me disappointment. It was announcing the result of a long-awaited funding proposal result, which turned out to be negative. It was the second time I tried for this donor, and I still failed. I do see that their arguments in rejecting my proposal were valid, and I am determined to improve it for the next time. However, I am still disappointed.

Then I looked for Jane Austen's advice for disappointment, and I found this below, from Mansfield Park chapter 5. I think Rachel has posted this quote a while ago (spoken by Mary Crawford), but since it resonates with my heart at the moment, I choose to repost it here.

"...you see but half. You see the evil, but you do not see the consolation. There will be little rubs and disappointments everywhere, and we are all apt to expect too much; but then, if one scheme of happiness fails, human nature turns to another; if the first calculation is wrong, we make a second better: we find comfort somewhere."

I hope if you do encounter disappointments, you will find the silver lining and move on. Try again, or try another thing, and move on.

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 270

"Belle" movie poster

There's a movie I need to see before it disappears from my local theater. "Belle", directed by Amma Assante and featuring Gugu Mbatha-Raw as the main heroine. The movie is set in the 18th century Georgian England on the life of Dido Elizabeth Belle (1761-1804), the illegitimate daughter of Admiral Sir John Lindsay and Maria Belle, an enslaved woman of African origin. Dido Elizabeth Belle was in turn the grand niece of William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield, who later became a Lord Chief Justice.

I've always admired Gugu after watching her in Lost in Austen and in a Marple episode (of which title I can't remember). I remember thinking about her in Lost in Austen, that she was an amazing actress, but it wouldn't be possible to see her in a period drama. And lo and behold, I was wrong. And I'm so happy I was wrong.

But it returns me to Jane Austen, and how eerie is that Belle actually was Austen's contemporary. Belle was about the same age as Jane Austen when the former died (43 years old, Jane died when she was 42 years old). I wonder if Jane ever heard of the great niece of Chief Justice Murray. And would it be too far fetched to guess whether Jane's novel "Mansfield Park" was inspired by the Mansfields?

The painting of Dido Elizabeth Belle and cousin Elizabeth Murray ca 1779 (formerly attributed to Johann Zoffany)

At any rate, it got me digging Mansfield Park to find a quote related to slavery. It's difficult to find a verbatim one; but I found this conversation between Edmund Bertram and Fanny Price:

[Edmund:] “Your uncle is disposed to be pleased with you in every respect; and I only wish you would talk to him more. You are one of those who are too silent in the evening circle.”

[Fanny:] “But I do talk to him more than I used. I am sure I do. Did not you hear me ask him about the slave-trade last night?”

[Edmund:] “I did — and was in hopes the question would be followed up by others. It would have pleased your uncle to be inquired of farther.”

[Fanny:] “And I longed to do it — but there was such a dead silence! And while my cousins were sitting by without speaking a word, or seeming at all interested in the subject, I did not like — I thought it would appear as if I wanted to set myself off at their expense, by showing a curiosity and pleasure in his information which he must wish his own daughters to feel.”

Mansfield Park was published in May 1814, seven years after the Slave Trade Act in 1807. I am inclined to think that Miss Austen understood that slavery was still a sensitive topic at that time, hence her hidden messages about her anti-slavery views in Mansfield Park. Of that topic alone, some scholars have reviewed it rather extensively (see this for an example).

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 266

Since it is Easter weekend I thought that I would check to see if Jane had used the word "Easter".  Sure enough, I found quite a few instances, and I will quote one from Mansfield Park, Chapter 47:

 

Mrs. Rushworth had gone, for the Easter holidays, to Twickenham, with a family whom she had just grown intimate with: a family of lively, agreeable manners, and probably of morals and discretion to suit, for to their house Mr. Crawford had constant access at all times.

 

She also used the word "holidays" so I will assume that in those days it was special, though I have no idea how they celebrated.

 

On a sad note, I want to say that my heart was broken this week when I learned of the passing of a dear "Janeite" friend, Linden Salter-Duke.  We met online at Pemberley and in person in 2002 when she made a trip to the U.S.  She visited with my family and I on her way to a conference.  I will always have such beautiful memories of her visit.  I had the honor of making a few suggestions for her book "Freedom in My Love" and she mentioned my name in the Acknowledgements.  That was a first for me.  And to quote our dear Jane:  "My tears flow".

 

Here is a link for Linden's web page:  CLICK HERE.  You can read her obituary here:  CLICK HERE.

 

Yrs aff'ly,

Linda the Librarian

Pic: Daffodils

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 254

Tomorrow (16th December) will be Jane's 238th birthday.

There are so many quotes to pick from in order to celebrate Jane's birthday and mine might seem to be a strange choice, both because it has been used before on the blog but also because it doesnt seem to be birthday related. I love it though!

This quote is taken from chapter 5 of Mansfield Park when Mary is being spoken to about marriage.

"If one scheme of happiness fails, human nature turns to another; if the first calculation is wrong, we make a second better: we find comfort somewhere."

I think that this highlights Jane's philosophy; she recognises bad luck and events that occur in life which are out of our control but she also sees hope and gives us the courage to seek comfort in a better plan. These words are very uplifting for me and form wise advice from someone who, I believe, lived a honest, thoughtful and inspiring life.

Happy Birthday Jane!

Pic: Great design taken from old-fashioned charm blog

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 247

This week I was on an introductory teacher training course and it was really interesting. Lots was discussed, including the historical view that boys were first in line for an education.

I have chosen a quote from Chaper 1 of Mansfield Park:




“Give a girl an education and introduce her properly into the world, and ten to one but she has the means of settling well, without further expense to anybody. ”

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Pic: Mansfield Park

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 246 by Linda

The ITV Mansfield Park 2007 from fanpop.com

For quite a while now I have been thinking about the subject of "families" particularly about how family members should treat each other.  So I checked to see if Jane Austen had anything to say on the subject.  Fortunately, I stumbled onto Lori Smith's blog and web site.  She also has a book I want to read titled "The Jane Austen Guide to Life".  Now that sounds interesting!

Her blog on Jane Austen Quotes has one titled 'Family squabbling'.  That is where I found my Jane Austen Quote from "Mansfield Park", volume 1 chapter 13:

Family squabbling is the greatest evil of all...

The bottom line is that we should treat family members the same way we should treat everyone elso on earth - with kindness, respect, helpfulness and so on.  Well, that thought led me to go see what the Bible has to say on that subject and I landed at Galatians 6:1-2:

1.  Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

2.  Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

And all that boils down to the old saying "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."  Oh my goodness, I looked that one up in the Bible and found Luke 6:27-38.  Wow, I had quite forgotten all the 'ins and outs' to that simple "do unto others..." but those verses sure spell it all out.  Now, if only we all followed that advice, what a wonderful world it would be!  No wars, etc.!

As Jane would say, "I leave it for you to determine."  I am looking forward to your thoughts on this subject since it is so dear to my heart.

Yrs aff'ly,

Linda the Librarian

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 229

Since my Jane Austen quote of the Week No. 224, I have done some more research on the subject of the slave trade, mainly due to a friend mentioning Sir Thomas of Mansfield Park.

I found this in Chapter 3:

 

Fanny Price (Frances O'Connor) and Sir Thomas Bertram (Harold Pinter), MP 1999

 

 

These opinions had been hardly canvassed a year before another event arose of such importance in the family, as might fairly claim some place in the thoughts and conversation of the ladies. Sir Thomas found it expedient to go to Antigua himself, for the better arrangement of his affairs, and he took his eldest son with him, in the hope of detaching him from some bad connexions at home. They left England with the probability of being nearly a twelvemonth absent.

 

My friend told us about a new book titled "Sugar in the Blood" that got my interest. So thereafter I searched the Pemberley site for information and found a treasure trove that is so extensive that I will be studying for years to come. I shall have to complete my education. It amazes me how much I didn't know. So happy hunting everyone.

 

Yrs aff'ly,

Linda the Librarian

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 228

We haven't done Mansfield Park for a while, so I thought of pulling something from MP. I found this one below, and although I wasn't melancholic or particularly sad today (I'm a bit upbeat, actually), this quote actually can speak volume when the condition is right. Mansfield Park, chapter 46, quoted from Pemberley.com:

"There is nothing like employment, active indispensable employment, for relieving sorrow. Employment, even melancholy, may dispel melancholy."

Frances O'Connor as Fanny Price (MP 1999)

It can be true, but we must take it with a grain of salt. Too often, we modern people drown ourselves in employment, or our career, to ignore something that is not balance in our lives. It should not be like that, I think. I think Jane's quote below is good for temporary distraction. But when the sorrow is already too deep, I think one must go deep within to deal with the feeling, instead of ignoring it and turning to our career for a refuge.

Thoughts?

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 182

A couple of weeks ago I got 'hooked' on the subject of LOVE in "Mansfield Park", so now I will continue there in Chapter 38 today:

Fanny’s immediate concerns, as far as they involved Mr. Crawford, made no part of their conversation. William knew what had passed, and from his heart lamented that his sister’s feelings should be so cold towards a man whom he must consider as the first of human characters; but he was of an age to be all for love, and therefore unable to blame; and knowing her wish on the subject, he would not distress her by the slightest allusion.

Fanny's brother, William was being kind though he 'mistakenly' thought Mr. Crawford worthy of his sister, he bowed to her wish for "love". What I have discovered is that my copy of "Mansfield Park" is filled with highlight markings. I stand amazed at all the wonderful knowledge of worldly life that Jane had in those days. I guess we are not as smart as we thought, and they are not as 'dumb' as we thought. Always willing to learn, I remain,

Yrs aff'ly,

Linda the Librarian

Pic: A cover of Mansfield Park

Jane Austen Quote of the Week - Week 180

Let's get serious for a minute this week and talk about LOVE and MARRIAGE. In Mansfield Park, Chapter 35 we find a discussion between Edmund and Fanny concerning Fanny's recent rejection of Henry Crawford's proposal of marriage. Edmund had just returned home and heard the news of the proposal. He wished to discuss her feelings about the matter so he joined her in a walk through the shrubbery.

Fanny, at one agitated and dejected, replied, "IF you hear of it from everybody, cousin, there can be nothing for me to tell."
Not of facts, perhaps; but of feelings, Fanny. No one but you can tell me them. I do not mean to press you, however. If it is not what you wish yourself, I have done. I had thought it might be a relief."
"I am afraid we think too differently for me to find any relief in talking of what I feel."
"Do you suppose that we think differently? I have no idea of it. I dare say that, on a comparison of our opinions, they would be found as much alike as they have been used to be: to the point - I consider Crawford's proposals as most advantageous and desirable, if you could return his affection. I consider it as most natural that all your family should wish you could return it; but that, as you cannot, you have done exactly as you ought in refusing him. Can there be any disagreement between us here?"
"Oh no! But I though you blamed me. I thought you were against me. This is such a comfort!"
"This comfort you might have had sooner, Fanny, had you sought it. But how could you possibly suppose me against you? How could you imagine me as advocate for marriage without love? Were I even careless in general on such matters, how could you imagine me so where your happiness was at stake?"

So the crux of the matter is this: one should marry for LOVE and is of the utmost importance. Certainly there are other things to consider, but love is to be considered FIRST. Speaking as one who has "been there, done that" I can vouch for the correctness of such advice. I only wish I had tended to those "other things to consider" a little more carefully. As we say "too soon old, and too late smart". Sigh.

Yrs aff'ly,

Linda the Librarian

Pic: Fanny Price

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 179 by Linda

While tiding up my cluttered desk I ran across a scribbling dated for 2-21-09, but cannot find that I actually posted it. So I shall give it a try now.

It is from Mansfield Park, Vol. 3, Chapter 5 of my Signet Classic edition, where Miss Crawford made a request of Fanny:

Her [Fanny's] habits of ready submission, on the contrary, made her almost instantly rise and lead the way out of the room. She did it with wretched feelings, but it was inevitable.

I couldn't help but notice this character trait of "ready submission" when anyone makes a request. It simply must be done. It is a trait that has been passed down through the ages, because I have observed this very trait in my own Grandmother, as well as myself. I will also add that it is fostered in our Bibles as "wives be obedient to your husband's will". I have since learned that "ready submission" is not the way to go. But that's another story.

This is just one example of how Jane throws in so many small things that we can relate to. For instance, when I opened my copy of MP, I noticed all the notations I had made. There is enough material for a ton of quotes. So reader beware! Here I go!

Linda the Librarian

Pic: Cover to Oxford World's Classics of Mansfield Park

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 174

I have chosen a quote from Mansfield Park simply for the beautiful imagery and great construction of sentences by Jane Austen.

"Miss Crawford's attractions did not lessen. The harp arrived, and rather added to her beauty, wit, and good-humour; for she played with the greatest obligingness, with an expression and taste which were peculiarly becoming, and there was something clever to be said at the close of every air. Edmund was at the Parsonage every day, to be indulged with his favourite instrument: one morning secured an invitation for the next; for the lady could not be unwilling to have a listener, and every thing was soon in a fair train.

A young woman, pretty, lively, with a harp as elegant as herself, and both placed near a window, cut down to the ground, and opening on a little lawn, surrounded by shrubs in the rich foliage of summer, was enough to catch any man's heart. The season, the scene, the air, were all favourable to tenderness and sentiment."

This is taken from chapter 7 and the carefully chosen wording describes Edmund's lust for Miss Crawford- in my opinion there is almost an erotic tone to the description.

Pic: Austen prose

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 161

This week's quote is taken from Mansfield Park, which reflects what I feel right now about time.

Oh! Do not attack me with your watch. A watch is always too fast or too slow. I cannot be dictated to by a watch.

These weeks I feel like time just slips away from my fingers... like sand on my fingers... I feel like I'm grasping here and there for life support... and I barely make it. I hope it won't last long... I hope I will regain control of my life sooner than later. But at the moment, I feel that a watch is useless to measure time.

Oh, special thanks to the Jane Austen Quotes site for providing me with this quote.

Jane Austen Quote of the Week - Week 157

My chosen quote is from Mansfield Park. Edmund is speaking about the possible negative consequences of abdicating your own responsibilities:

"Had I a place to new fashion, I should not put myself into the hands of an improver, I would rather have an inferior degree of beauty, of my own choice, and acquired progressively. I would rather abide by my own blunders than by his.”

I think that he is a particularly moral and conscientious character in the novel and although his view is perhaps idealistic, it is definitely admirable.

I think that this quote can translate to many aspects of life; work, relationships, families, therefore it relates to us all.

Pic: Austenonly-Edmund Bertram (TV 2007)

Jane Austen Quote of the Week - Week 103

As the sun has finally shown itself in the UK the last few days, I thought I would pick a quote from Chapter 9 of Mansfield Park. Edmund, Miss Crawford and Fanny are walking and Edmund comments that he believes Fanny is tired. She replies:

"I shall soon be rested," said Fanny; "to sit in the shade on a fine day, and look upon verdure, is the most perfect refreshment."

This is exactly how I feel at the moment. I think there is something very special about a bright spring or summers day. Its just so natural and uplifting. Life is blossoming and the air is fresh. It really is special.

Pic : Pemberley Website

Jane Austen Quote Week 102

Dearest freinds,

This week’s quote is taken from Mansfield Park, a very famous one I take it. Mansfield Park, Volume I Chapter 10:

Dinner was soon followed by tea and coffee, a ten miles' drive home allowed no waste of hours; and from the time of their sitting down to table, it was a quick succession of busy nothings till the carriage came to the door, and Mrs. Norris, having fidgeted about, and obtained a few pheasants' eggs and a cream cheese from the housekeeper, and made abundance of civil speeches to Mrs. Rushworth, was ready to lead the way.


Fanny Price (Frances O’Connor) also uttered the adapted version of this line in MP 1999 (my favourite so far):

Life seems but a quick succession of busy nothings

Indeed, it was yesterday when I wrote my diary and realised it was April 2010 already! And of course – as many of you – I also felt like I was doing nothing. Where did the time go?

But take heart, ladies and gents. The best way to counter that wretched voice that says that you have not accomplished many (if not at all) is to list one by one your achievement this year, these three months, or whatever time frame you choose. It may only be 1-2 things, but if they are indeed of substances…that is encouraging, is it not?

For instance, the last three months since January, I’ve been doing a lot, and I mean truly and honestly aplenty dosage of contemplation and healing. I’ve uncovered many layers that I did not realise I had (have) until my inner digging. That’s one thing, but very important for me.

So go on now, take a piece of paper and make a counter-argument of your own belief that you have done nothing the last few [whatever time you choose]. It’s fun, and uplifting!

Pic: Johannes Vermeer’s famous Milkmaid

Jane Austen Quote of the Week- Week 89

The first quote of 2010 is taken from chapter 5 of Mansfield Park. The topic of the conversation is actually marriage and Mary is being flourished with some wise insight.

I think that this quote need not only apply to marriage, I think that it is applicable to life in general. At this point where we enter a new year, there are often many mixed emotions; people may feel pressure to make changes and embrace new things. I think that although this quote could be perceived as having a pessimistic stance, I actually feel that it is rather enlightening.

I like to think that sometimes fate will support us and if we have experienced dissapointment in whatever form during 2009, perhaps the natural course of life events will lead us down a new path, one with more happiness and opportunities.

"There will be little rubs and disappointments everywhere, and we are all apt to expect too much; but then, if one scheme of happiness fails, human nature turns to another; if the first calculation is wrong, we make a second better: we find comfort somewhere."

Feeling comfort is vital in this life. I hope that all of you out there are spending time with, or thinking about loved ones at this time and that this brings you comfort.

Lets all wish for happiness in 2010. Happy New Year everyone.

Pic: Entertainment Weekly- Fanny and Edmund

Jane Austen Quote of the week- Week 73

This week I have chosen a quote from Chapter 9 of Mansfield Park. Mrs Rushworth is showing Fanny, Edmund and Miss Crawford around the house and upon arriving at the chapel, there is some witty exchange between them. Edmund states:

"At any rate, it is safer to leave people to their own devices on such subjects. Everybody likes to go their own way—to chuse their own time and manner of devotion. The obligation of attendance, the formality, the restraint, the length of time—altogether it is a formidable thing, and what nobody likes; and if the good people who used to kneel and gape in that gallery could have foreseen that the time would ever come when men and women might lie another ten minutes in bed, when they woke with a headache, without danger of reprobation, because chapel was missed, they would have jumped with joy and envy."

Fanny is angered by Edmunds open and clever display of disagreement. I love this example of the chemistry between them.

I also simply love the line bolded above. Even in our modern day, I think it is still all too easy to try to please everyone all of the time and to strive to consistently meet rules and conventions. Sometimes it is nice to just be how we want to be and do what we want to do without this pressure. Choice is such a powerful thing and I think that we should sometimes not be so afraid to be free.

Pic 1: Austen Prose