Jane Austen Quote of the Week 294

It seems as though a multitude of "sickness" is going around where we are, so I wondered what Jane had to say about it.  I found in Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 8 the following about Jane Bennett who had gotten ill at the Bingleys:

Elizabeth joined them again only to say that her sister was worse, and that she could not leave her. Bingley urged Mr. Jones's being sent for immediately; while his sisters, convinced that no country advice could be of any service, recommended an express to town for one of the most eminent physicians. This she would not hear of; but she was not so unwilling to comply with their brother's proposal; and it was settled that Mr. Jones should be sent for early in the morning, if Miss Bennet were not decidedly better. Bingley was quite uncomfortable; his sisters declared that they were miserable. They solaced their wretchedness, however, by duets after supper, while he could find no better relief to his feelings than by giving his housekeeper directions that every possible attention might be paid to the sick lady and her sister.

So even in those days, illness (sickness) was quite a problem.  Enough said, and I hope everyone gets better very quickly.

Yrs aff'ly,

Linda the Librarian

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 293

Dear friends,

Last Saturday was Valentine's Day, so it's apt that I post something about love, which is Jane Austen's most popular topic. However, I'd like to post something about self-love and self-appreciation this time, because without a good relationship with ourselves, any relationships with others are bound to fail. 

Lizzy Bennet (Jennifer Ehle) mimicking Darcy's insult to Jane Bennet

From Pride and Prejudice Chapter III Vol I; Darcy was about to deliver his famous insult on Lizzy's character.

"...turning round, he looked for a moment at Elizabeth, till catching her eye, he withdrew his own and coldly said, ``She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me; and I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. You had better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me.''
 
Mr. Bingley followed his advice. Mr. Darcy walked off; and Elizabeth remained with no very cordial feelings towards him. She told the story however with great spirit among her friends; for she had a lively, playful disposition, which delighted in any thing ridiculous."

Let's forget for a moment that Lizzy and Darcy would later find deep connexion between them etc. etc. At this moment, Lizzy did not let Darcy's comments define her. She knew her self worth, and she appreciates herself for who she is. I think had she not maintained her composure and fought Darcy back, the latter would not find himself helplessly attracted to her.

I do think, though, romance is important. But prior to that, we need to love ourselves first and nurture a loving relationship with ourselves. That, I'd say, includes accepting our worst sides/characters and grow from it. 

Belated Happy Valentine's Day, dear friends! May Love be with us always.

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 290

Over the past two weeks I have been fortunate enough to be asked twice to be a bridesmaid at two dear friends weddings over the next year. I thought that it was therefore appropriate to consider wedding quotes this week. There are a number I love from Pride and Prejudice but I do not believe we have not chosen this one yet to post on the blog, it is perhaps a little cynical but brilliant.


In a conversation between Elizabeth and Charlotte Lucas in Chapter 6 of Pride and Prejudice:


Well," said Charlotte, "I wish Jane success with all my heart; and if she were married to him to-morrow, I should think she had as good a chance of happiness as if she were to be studying his character for a twelvemonth. Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. If the dispositions of the parties are ever so well known to each other or ever so similar beforehand, it does not advance their felicity in the least. They always continue to grow sufficiently unlike afterwards to have their share of vexation; and it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life."


I have pondered over the last statement, I have tendency to want to plan and overthink everything but often that is only to my detriment, perhaps this overthinking is a waste of energy and time, perhaps happiness is indeed entirely a matter of chance.


I hope you are all having a super weekend.

Pic: Elizabeth Bennet and Charlotte Lucas

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 287

Linda sent this quote below a week ago, but since Rachel and I were caught up with our own lives, we failed to post it last week. My apologies Linda, and Merry Christmas to you all! 

PP 1995 souvenirs from JT Originals (cool stuffs there!)

Because everyone seems to be caught up in the Christmas season, I thought it appropriate to find a quote with Christmas in it from Jane herself.

So, here is one from Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 25:

On the following Monday Mrs. Bennet had the pleasure of receiving her brother and his wife, who came as usual to spend the Christmas at Longbourn.

I think that even "way back then" there were traditions such as we have today.  Of course, we have tons of food to make and eat also.  So we have about 2 weeks to go [ed: it's actually four more nights to go; apologies for our late submission!], so do have fun and take every opportunity to enjoy yourselves.

Yrs aff'ly,

Linda the Librarian

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 286

I want to start this week by offering condolences to one of the members of our team who has suffered a loss this week. A huge hug to you from us.


I have chosen a quote from chapter 16 of Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth and Wickham are talking about Mr Darcy:


“I wonder that the very pride of this Mr. Darcy has not made him just to you! — If from no better motive, that he should not have been too proud to be dishonest, — for dishonesty I must call it.”
“It is wonderful,” — replied Wickham, — “for almost all his actions may be traced to pride; — and pride has often been his best friend. It has connected him nearer with virtue than any other feeling. But we are none of us consistent; and in his behaviour to me, there were stronger impulses even than pride.”
“Can such abominable pride as his, have ever done him good?”
“Yes. It has often led him to be liberal and generous, — to give his money freely, to display hospitality, to assist his tenants, and relieve the poor. Family pride, and filial pride, for he is very proud of what his father was, have done this. Not to appear to disgrace his family, to degenerate from the popular qualities, or lose the influence of the Pemberley House, is a powerful motive.”


Pride can make us display such a range of emotions and traits; happiness, stubbornness, confidence. But what is life worth if there is no pride?

Pic: Colin Firth as Mr Darcy

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 283

Lalita Bakshi (Aishwarya Rai) and William Darcy (Martin Henderson) in Bride & Prejudice

I've been watching Hindustani movies these days for some reasons. Today was Aishwarya Rai's Bride and Prejudice, which was inspired by Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. While Ms Rai's performance was a treat on its own (not to mention her beauty), it was the dancing sequences that made me attracted to the movie the most. Bollywood dancing is certainly not Regency dancing, but for some reasons, the director (Gurinder Chadha) believed that there are many similarities between the two types of dancing. And I think it's true, for in India, dancing is also used as a way to better understand another person. Not to mention that dancing and party are used as an excuse to dress up, though I suppose, many cultures do have those traits too. 

It still amuses me how in the Bollywood Bride and Prejudice, the many dancing scenes were used as opportunities to foster the interactions between the main characters. 

Which reminds me of Jane Austen's famous quote of dancing from PP, Vol I Chapter 3:

"NOT all that Mrs. Bennet, however, with the assistance of her five daughters, could ask on the subject was sufficient to draw from her husband any satisfactory description of Mr. Bingley. They attacked him in various ways; with barefaced questions, ingenious suppositions, and distant surmises; but he eluded the skill of them all; and they were at last obliged to accept the second-hand intelligence of their neighbour Lady Lucas. Her report was highly favourable. Sir William had been delighted with him. He was quite young, wonderfully handsome, extremely agreeable, and, to crown the whole, he meant to be at the next assembly with a large party. Nothing could be more delightful! To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love; and very lively hopes of Mr. Bingley's heart were entertained."

Well, if not falling in love, dancing is certainly healthy for oneself! (note to self: enroll in one of those dancing classes in the city soon...)

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 279

I think that we are all plagued with the feeling that life just goes far too quickly and we are always chasing our tails, rarely able to just stop and appreciate the moment we are experiencing and it might be a moment that changes everything. When we try to reflect on an exact moment that triggered change it is often impossible.

I am picking a fantastic quote that is taken from a conversation between Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, taken from chapter 60 of Pride and Prejudice:

Elizabeth's spirits soon rising to playfulness again, she wanted Mr Darcy to account for his having ever fallen in love with her. ``How could you begin?'' said she. ``I can comprehend your going on charmingly, when you had once made a beginning; but what could set you off in the first place?''

``I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.''

``My beauty you had early withstood, and as for my manners -- my behaviour to you was at least always bordering on the uncivil, and I never spoke to you without rather wishing to give you pain than not. Now be sincere; did you admire me for my impertinence?''
``For the liveliness of your mind, I did.''

I love this quote for it's romance but it also is a good reminder for us to slow down and appreciate everything for it could be gone forever and we may not have truly experienced the beauty of it in the moment.

Pic 1: Moment of love
Pic 2: Moments

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 278

Jane Bennet (Rosamund Pike) nursed by Lizzy (Keira Knightley) in PP 2005

 

Dearest Folks, Your Librarian has been "under the weather" some 2 week now, so of course, my thoughts turned to what Jane might call "sickness".   What is amazing is that she used the word "sick" just as we do, namely, meaning to "be sick of something" as in disgust, weariness etc.  She also uses it to mean "ill health".  Here are a couple of quotes from P&P to illustrate both uses.

In Chapter 20 Lizzie accuses Darcy thusly:

The fact is, that you were sick of civility, of deference, of officious attention. You were disgusted with the women who were always speaking and looking and thinking for your approbation alone.

In Chapter 8 where Jane Bennett is ill at the Bingley's, Jane is described thusly:

They solaced their wretchedness, however, by duets after supper, while he could find no better relief to his feelings than by giving his housekeeper directions that every possible attention might be paid to the sick lady and her sister.

So, I leave you with those thoughts and hoping to be completely "well" in just a few days.  Sigh.

Yrs aff'ly,

Linda the Librarian

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 276

My partner and I just returned from a walk up the hill sort of behind our house, about 35 minutes up and 25 minutes down, with extra time to arrive there which took us in total two hours of a healthy walking regime.  My legs and ankles are very sore at the moment, but I enjoyed the walk (okay, I panted and struggled to breathe, but I still thought it was a good exercise). Then I thought about Austen heroines and characters who loved walking or doing any physical exercises, and my mind naturally wondered to Elizabeth Bennet and her walking three miles to Netherfield to visit her sister.

Keira Knightley as Lizzy Bennet (PP 2005) having a walk

Hence, here’s the excerpt from Pride and Prejudice Chapter 7. Elizabeth, upon learning that Jane was ill, set to Netherfield, accompanied by Catherine and Lydia until Meryton (the other two also loved walking, especially due to the prospect of meeting young, handsome officers in scarlet coats at the said destination). But of course, not before dear Mrs Bennet’s objection.

``How can you be so silly,'' cried her mother, ``as to think of such a thing, in all this dirt! You will not be fit to be seen when you get there.''

``I shall be very fit to see Jane -- which is all I want.''

``Is this a hint to me, Lizzy,'' said her father, ``to send for the horses?''

``No, indeed. I do not wish to avoid the walk. The distance is nothing, when one has a motive; only three miles. I shall be back by dinner.''

``I admire the activity of your benevolence,'' observed Mary, ``but every impulse of feeling should be guided by reason; and, in my opinion, exertion should always be in proportion to what is required.''

``We will go as far as Meryton with you,'' said Catherine and Lydia. -- Elizabeth accepted their company, and the three young ladies set off together.

``If we make haste,'' said Lydia, as they walked along, ``perhaps we may see something of Captain Carter before he goes.''

In Meryton they parted; the two youngest repaired to the lodgings of one of the officers' wives, and Elizabeth continued her walk alone, crossing field after field at a quick pace, jumping over stiles and springing over puddles with impatient activity, and finding herself at last within view of the house, with weary ancles, dirty stockings, and a face glowing with the warmth of exercise.

I wondered how long did it take for Elizabeth to reach Netherfield. A little over an hour?

So, how is your Sunday so far? Any exciting exercise? Or reading your favourite book? Or watching a long-awaited movie at the local theatre? Whatever it has been, I hope you enjoy this weekend.

Jane Austen Quote of the Week 272

Sorry for the delay in posting.

I have recently been doing an introduction to counselling course and it has been really eye-opening for me personally. We have covered very basic principles such as active listening and questioning but becoming conscious of these things and how we use them in everyday interaction has become really interesting.

I chose to look at communication in relation to some of our favourite novels and I was considering which characters are best to quote. My first is Lydia Bennett as she always has made me chuckle at her inability to listen and her total inappropriateness in communicating. The second quote is a favourite extract on this blog - the letter from Frederick Wentworth to Anne Elliot in Persuasion.

From Pride and Prejudice Chapter 39 Lydia Bennett is talking to Jane and Elizabeth and demonstrating her total lack of tact and comical communication.



``Now I have got some news for you,'' said Lydia as they sat down to table. ``What do you think? It is excellent news, capital news, and about a certain person that we all like.'' Jane and Elizabeth looked at each other, and the waiter was told that he need not stay. Lydia laughed, and said, ``Aye, that is just like your formality and discretion. You thought the waiter must not hear, as if he cared! I dare say he often hears worse things said than I am going to say. But he is an ugly fellow! I am glad he is gone. I never saw such a long chin in my life. Well, but now for my news: it is about dear Wickham; too good for the waiter, is not it? There is no danger of Wickham's marrying Mary King. There's for you! She is gone down to her uncle at Liverpool; gone to stay. Wickham is safe.''


The next quote is the perfect love letter from Frederick Wentworth to Anne taken from Chapter 23 in Persuasion. I used this for a valentines quote this year but I love it so using it again! Our other references on the blog have omitted the first line but this time its the most pertinent part related to communication. As part of the counselling training we have had to do numerous role plays just active listening with no use of language, it is so difficult, but incredibly effective to nurture a person to speak. Frederick Wentworth is feeling the frustrations of not being able to say what he is thinking and in this scenario it is magical when he does.

“I can listen no longer in silence. I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever. I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own than when you almost broke it, eight years and a half ago. Dare not say that man forgets sooner than woman, that his love has an earlier death. I have loved none but you. Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconstant. You alone have brought me to Bath. For you alone, I think and plan. Have you not seen this? Can you fail to have understood my wishes? I had not waited even these ten days, could I have read your feelings, as I think you must have penetrated mine. I can hardly write. I am every instant hearing something which overpowers me. You sink your voice, but I can distinguish the tones of that voice when they would be lost on others. Too good, too excellent creature! You do us justice, indeed. You do believe that there is true attachment and constancy among men. Believe it to be most fervent, most undeviating, in F. W."

Pic: Anne Elliot and Frederick Wentworth