“I lay it down as a general rule, Harriet, that if a woman doubts as to whether she should accept a man or not, she certainly ought to refuse him.”
Analysis
In this quote by Jane Austen, the character suggests that if a woman is unsure about accepting a man's proposal, it is better to refuse him. This advice reflects the importance of self-awareness and confidence in making decisions about relationships. It emphasizes the idea that a woman should only enter into a relationship if she is truly sure and has no doubts. Austen's words may also imply that entering into a relationship with uncertainty could lead to unhappiness or regret in the future.
Modern Relevance of Jane Austen's Advice
In this quote, Jane Austen suggests that if a woman is unsure about accepting a man's proposal, she should probably turn him down. This advice can still be relevant today in the context of relationships and decision-making.
Jane Austen's advice on relationships
“I lay it down as a general rule, Harriet, that if a woman doubts as to whether she should accept a man or not, she certainly ought to refuse him.” - Jane Austen
Reflection Questions:
In this quote from Jane Austen's novel, "Emma," the character Mr. Knightley advises Harriet on the importance of being certain in matters of the heart. This raises some reflective questions for individuals to consider when faced with a decision about a potential romantic relationship:
- Have there been times in your own life when you have doubted whether to pursue a romantic relationship?
- How do you typically approach decision-making in matters of the heart - do you tend to err on the side of caution or take more risks?
- What factors do you prioritize when deciding whether to accept or refuse a romantic partner?
- How might certainty or doubt impact the success and longevity of a relationship?
- Reflect on a past romantic relationship - were there moments of doubt that you ignored or moments of certainty that you trusted? What were the outcomes of those decisions?
Similar quotes
“if a woman doubts as to whether she should accept a man or not, she certainly ought to refuse him. If she can hesitate as to `Yes,' she ought to say `No' directly. It is not a state to be safely entered into with doubtful feelings, with half a heart.”
“I think it ought not to be set down as certain, that a man must be acceptable to every woman he may happen to like himself.”
“You promise to stop if I say so?" she asked doubtfully, even while she lay down."I promise. Though never trust anything a man tells you when he's got his head between your legs.”
“I’ve never been certain whether the moral of the Icarus story should only be, as is generally accepted, ‘don’t try to fly too high,’ or whether it might also be thought of as ‘forget the wax and feathers, and do a better job on the wings.”
“Let him have all the perfections in the world, I think it ought not be set down as certain that he must be acceptable to every women he may happen to like himself.”