“ How often is happiness destroyed by preparation, foolish preparation! ”
Jane Austen, Emma (1815). copy citation
| Author | Jane Austen |
|---|---|
| Source | Emma |
| Topic | foolishness happiness preparation |
| Date | 1815 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/158/158-h/158-h.htm |
Context
“«Ah!—(shaking his head)—the uncertainty of when I may be able to return!—I shall try for it with a zeal!—It will be the object of all my thoughts and cares!—and if my uncle and aunt go to town this spring—but I am afraid—they did not stir last spring—I am afraid it is a custom gone for ever.»
«Our poor ball must be quite given up.»
«Ah! that ball!—why did we wait for any thing?—why not seize the pleasure at once?—How often is happiness destroyed by preparation, foolish preparation!—You told us it would be so.—Oh! Miss Woodhouse, why are you always so right?»
«Indeed, I am very sorry to be right in this instance. I would much rather have been merry than wise.»
«If I can come again, we are still to have our ball.” source
«Our poor ball must be quite given up.»
«Ah! that ball!—why did we wait for any thing?—why not seize the pleasure at once?—How often is happiness destroyed by preparation, foolish preparation!—You told us it would be so.—Oh! Miss Woodhouse, why are you always so right?»
«Indeed, I am very sorry to be right in this instance. I would much rather have been merry than wise.»
«If I can come again, we are still to have our ball.” source
Meaning and analysis
