Jane Austen had a huge impact on the romance genre, even though her six completed novels aren’t always labeled as romance novels. She gave us the happily-ever-after endings and intelligent romantic connections between equals that are so beloved today.
Austen never married, but she had a profound understanding of love and was a keen observer of human relationships. Her eloquent words offer useful advice and inspiration about love, marriage, and courtship. Let’s dive into some memorable quotes about love from Jane Austen’s works.
Emma Quotes
1. Emma on Marriage
In “Emma,” the protagonist Emma Woodhouse states, “A woman is not to marry a man merely because she is asked, or because he is attached to her, and can write a tolerable letter.” Emma may often be misguided, but she’s right in believing that relationships should be based on equality and not on societal expectations. Essentially, you don’t have to like someone just because they like you.
2. Emma’s Epiphany
Emma experiences a profound realization: “Why was it so much worse that Harriet should be in love with Mr Knightley than Frank Churchill? Why was the evil so dreadfully increased by Harriet’s having some hope of a return? It darted through her with the speed of an arrow that Mr Knightley must marry no one but herself!” This marks a turning point for Emma, leading to a deeper understanding of her own emotions.
3. Mr. Knightley Gets Romantic
Mr. Knightley’s heartfelt declaration, “If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more,” showcases Jane Austen’s knack for creating deeply romantic characters.
Mansfield Park Quotes
4. Edmund’s Compliment to Fanny
In “Mansfield Park,” Edmund tells Fanny, “He will make you happy, Fanny; I know he will make you happy; But you will make him everything.” While he’s encouraging Fanny to marry a man of questionable character, his words also highlight her own wonderful qualities.
5. Fanny on Relationship Dynamics
Fanny Price states, “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.” Similar to Emma, she questions the societal expectations placed on women in romantic relationships.
Northanger Abbey Quotes
6. On Disappointed Love
In “Northanger Abbey,” Jane Austen writes, “Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love.” This quote reminds us that friends can help us heal from heartbreak.
7. Marriage and Dancing
Henry Tilney compares marriage to dancing: “In both, man has the advantage of choice, woman only the power of refusal… it is their duty, each to endeavour to give the other no cause for wishing that he or she had bestowed themselves elsewhere.” This passage highlights the importance of mutual effort and faithfulness in a relationship.
Persuasion Quotes
8. Writing a Love Letter
Captain Wentworth expresses his deep feelings in a letter: “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… I have loved none but you.” This passionate letter is one of the most romantic elements in literature.
9. On Devotion
Wentworth further adds, “A man does not recover from such a devotion of the heart to such a woman! He ought not; he does not.” This shows his unwavering commitment and the lasting impact of true love.
Pride and Prejudice Quotes
10. Only Marry for Love
In “Pride and Prejudice,” Jane advises through her characters, “Oh, Lizzy! do anything rather than marry without affection.” This is timeless advice emphasizing that marriage should be based on true feelings.
11. A Proposal Gone Wrong
Mr. Darcy’s initial proposal, “In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you,” is a lesson in how not to propose.
12. Follow Your Heart
Elizabeth begins to realize Mr. Darcy’s true feelings when “Her heart did whisper that he had done it for her.” This signifies the importance of listening to one’s heart.
13. Mr. Darcy’s Second Proposal
In Mr. Darcy’s second, more sincere proposal, he says, “You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged; but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever.”
Sense and Sensibility Quotes
14. Elinor’s Hidden Emotions
Elinor remarks, “I do not attempt to deny that I think very highly of him–that I greatly esteem, that I like him.” She downplays her affection for Edward, but her true feelings eventually come to light when she learns he is not married, leading to a joyous outburst.
15. Never Love Halfway
Jane Austen writes about Marianne, “Marianne could never love by halves; and her whole heart became, in time, as much devoted to her husband, as it had once been to Willoughby.” Marianne’s transformation reminds us that true love requires wholehearted commitment and can heal past wounds.
These quotes from Jane Austen’s novels continue to inspire us to believe in and pursue genuine, heartfelt love. Each of her characters offers timeless insights into the nature of love and relationships.
