jane austen book summaries

“You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever. I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own, than when you almost broke it, eight years ago.”

Captain Wentworth's letter to Anne, expressing his renewed love and desire for reconciliation.

“All the privilege I claim for my own sex (it is not a very enviable one, you need not covet it) is that of loving longest, when existence or when hope is gone.”

Anne Elliot's response to Captain Harville's assertion that women's affections are more easily swayed than men's.

“A man does not recover from such a blow in a hurry. I have not forgotten Kellynch, and I have not forgotten you.”

Captain Wentworth speaking to Anne about his past heartbreak, indicating his lingering feelings.

“She was a woman of strong understanding, and excellent principles, of thorough integrity and honour, but she was too hot-headed to make a good counsellor.”

Description of Lady Russell, highlighting her good intentions but flawed judgment in persuading Anne.

“I hate to hear you talk about all women as if they were fine ladies instead of rational creatures. None of us want to be in calm waters all our lives.”

Anne Elliot's spirited retort during a discussion about the nature of women and their desires.