This quote from Jane Austen invites a closer examination of interpersonal dynamics, particularly within romantic contexts. It highlights the speaker's awareness of the other person's perceptions and challenges the validity of their feelings.
At its core, the statement questions the foundations of the other person's objections. By asking whether indifference is the sole basis for their hesitation or critique, the speaker implies a deeper exploration of feelings and motivations. This query prompts reflection on how perceptions can significantly shape relationships.
Furthermore, the use of the word "belief" indicates that the objection may not be grounded in reality but rather in an interpretation or misunderstanding. It underscores a theme common in Austen's work: the complexities of communication and the potential for misjudgments in relationships. Ultimately, the quote encourages an honest dialogue about feelings, urging individuals to look beyond surface perceptions to grasp the underlying truths influencing their actions and beliefs.
“My object then," replied Darcy, "was to show you, by every civility in my power, that I was not so mean as to resent the past; and I hoped to obtain your forgiveness, to lessen your ill opinion, by letting you see that your reproofs had been attended to. How soon any other wishes introduced themselves I can hardly tell, but I believe in about half an hour after I had seen you.”
“You are mistaken, Mr. Darcy, if you suppose that the mode of your declaration affected me in any other way, than as it spared the concern which I might have felt in refusing you, had you behaved in a more gentlemanlike manner." (Elizabeth Bennett)”
“They walked on, without knowing in what direction. There was too much to be thought, and felt, and said, for attention to any other objects.”
“From the very beginning— from the first moment, I may almost say— of my acquaintance with you, your manners, impressing me with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain of the feelings of others, were such as to form the groundwork of disapprobation on which succeeding events have built so immovable a dislike; and I had not known you a month before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry.”
“We have all a better guide in ourselves, if we would attend to it, than any other person can be.”
“They have none of them much to recommend them", replied he: "they are all silly and ignorant like other girls; but Lizzy has something more of quickness than her sisters." "Mr. Bennet, how can you abuse your own children in such a way? You take delight in vexing me. You have no compassion on my poor nerves." "You mistake me my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration these twenty years at least.”