She would have been glad to know when these difficulties were to cease, this opposition was to yield . . .
Sense and Sensibility, v. 1, ch. 19
Elinor waiting for Mrs. Ferrars to give Edward his freedom
Category Archives: Uncertainty in love
Other points
“But there are other points to be considered besides his inclination.”
Sense and Sensibility, v. 1, ch. 4
(. . . Like his horrible mother.) More of sensible Elinor
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By no means
“I am by no means assured of his regard for me.”
Elinor, re: Edward
Sense and Sensibility, v. 1, ch. 4
Elinor favors truth over imagination.
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Perfect understanding
“Have we not perfectly understood each other?”
Sense and Sensibility, volume 1, chapter 15
Mrs. Dashwood on what Willoughby’s actions have told her of his love. How little she really understood!
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Talk vs. action
“I have not wanted syllables where actions have spoken so plainly.”
Sense and Sensibility, volume 1, chapter 15
Mrs. Dashwood on her assumption that Marianne and Willoughby are engaged, in spite of the fact that they have not told her so
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Some doubt of a return
“I have no idea that she has yet ever seen a man she cared for. It would not be a bad thing for her to be very much in love with a proper object. I should like to see Emma in love, and in some doubt of a return; it would do her good.”
Mr. Knightley
Emma, volume 1, chapter 5
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The misery of being bound without Love
“The unpleasantness of appearing fickle is certainly great-but if you think you want Punishment for past Illusions, there it is-and nothing can compare to the misery of being bound without Love, bound to one, & preferring another. That is a Punishment which you do not deserve.”
letter to her niece Fanny Knight
November 30, 1814 [114]
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How very far from a now
“I am perfectly convinced that your present feelings, supposing you were to marry now, would be sufficient for his happiness;-but when I think how very, very far it is from a Now, & take everything that may be, into consideration, I dare not say, ‘determine to accept him.’ The risk is too great for you, unless your own Sentiments prompt it.”
letter to her niece Fanny Knight
November 30, 1814 [114]
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Your own feelings
More from Jane’s letters to her niece Fanny, about whether or not she should marry Mr. John Plumptre:
“Now, my dearest Fanny . . . You frighten me out of my Wits by your reference. Your affection gives me the highest pleasure, but indeed you must not let anything depend on my opinion. Your own feelings & none but your own, should determine such an important point.”
letter to her niece Fanny Knight
November 30, 1814 [114]
Imogen Poots as Fanny Knight in Miss Austen Regrets
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Such sort of Disappointments
“Things are now in such a state, that you must resolve upon one or the other, either allow him to go on as he has done, or whenever you are together behave with a coldness which may convince him that he has been deceiving himself.-I have no doubt of his suffering a good deal for a time, a great deal, when he feels he must give you up;-but it is no creed of mine, as you must be well aware, that such sort of Disappointments kill anybody.”
letter to her niece, Fanny Knight, about Mr. John Plumptre, whom Fanny was considering marrying
November 18, 1814 [109]
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The Jane Austen Guide to Life: Thoughtful Lessons for the Modern Woman (May, 2012)
A Walk with Jane Austen: A Journey into Adventure, Love, and Faith