“ Follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies, do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can. ”
Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice (28 January 1813). copy citation
| Author | Jane Austen |
|---|---|
| Source | Pride and Prejudice |
| Topic | folly laugh nonsense |
| Date | 28 January 1813 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1342/1342-h/1342-h.htm |
Context
“The wisest and the best of men—nay, the wisest and best of their actions—may be rendered ridiculous by a person whose first object in life is a joke."
"Certainly," replied Elizabeth—"there are such people, but I hope I am not one of them. I hope I never ridicule what is wise and good. Follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies, do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can. But these, I suppose, are precisely what you are without."
"Perhaps that is not possible for anyone. But it has been the study of my life to avoid those weaknesses which often expose a strong understanding to ridicule."” source
"Certainly," replied Elizabeth—"there are such people, but I hope I am not one of them. I hope I never ridicule what is wise and good. Follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies, do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can. But these, I suppose, are precisely what you are without."
"Perhaps that is not possible for anyone. But it has been the study of my life to avoid those weaknesses which often expose a strong understanding to ridicule."” source
Meaning and analysis
