Jane Austen Quotes

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]

Another Man

"It is very true that you never may attach another Man, his equal altogether, but if that other Man has the power of attaching you more, he will be in your eyes the most perfect."

letter to her niece Fanny Knight
November 30, 1814 [114]

Last day for icon contest

Today's the last day for the icon contest at Jane Austen Today.  There are some lovely entries.

The first is from Dina, the second from Raisah, and the third from Sawcat.  Gorgeous!

Send in yours for a chance to win a copy of the Becoming Jane DVD!

A possible Evil

"I am at present more impressed with the possible Evil that may arise to You from engaging yourself to him--in word or mind--than with anything else.  When I consider how few young Men you have yet seen much of--how capable you are (yes, I do still think you very capable) of being really in love--and how full of temptation the next 6 or 7 years of your Life will probably be--(it is the very period of Life for the strongest attachments to be formed)--I cannot wish you with your present very cool feelings to devote yourself in honour to him."

letter to her niece Fanny Knight
November 30, 1814 [114]

I think they quoted this nearly directly in Miss Austen Regrets. Olivia Williams as Jane Austen.

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]

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

Win a copy of Becoming Jane!

Ms. Place at Jane Austen Today is running another icon contest to give away a copy of the Becoming Jane DVD.  The last one was wonderful!  Can't wait to see what you all create for this one.  Limit two icons per person.  You have until midnight, February 27 to enter.  Read all the details here.  There are already some lovely entries.

A good memory is unpardonable

Alas... just one more evening of P&P on Sunday. 

"You are joking, Lizzy.  This cannot be!--engaged to Mr. Darcy! No, no, you shall not deceive me.  I know it to be impossible."

"This is a wretched beginning indeed!  My sole dependence was on you; and I am sure nobody else will believe me, if you do not.  Yet, indeed, I am in earnest.  I speak nothing but the truth.  He still loves me, and we are engaged."

Jane looked at her doubtingly.  "Oh, Lizzy!  it cannot be.  I know how much you dislike him."

"You know nothing of the matter.  That is all to be forgot.  Perhaps I did not always love him so well as I do now.  But in such cases as these, a good memory is unpardonable.  This is the last time I shall ever remember it myself." 

Lizzy and Jane discussing Lizzy's engagement to Mr. Darcy
Pride & Prejudice, Volume 3, Chapter 17

Another lovely icon from the icon contest at Jane Austen Today, this one from Mandie at ATUA.

Recipe for a marriage

"'My good qualities are under your protection, and you are to exaggerate them as much as possible; and, in return, it belongs to me to find occasions for teasing and quarrelling with you as often as may be.'"

Lizzy to Darcy, discussing their recent engagement and how their relationship will work from this point forward
Pride and Prejudice, volume 3, chapter 18

Sounds like a good plan, no?

Icon from Ms. Place at Jane Austen Today.

Karen Joy Fowler interview

There's a lovely interview with Karen Joy Fowler, author of The Jane Austen Book Club, at Tina Ann Forkner's blog.  I've posted a few snippets at Following Austen as well.