“ I never wish to offend, but I am so foolishly shy, that I often seem negligent, when I am only kept back by my natural awkwardness. ”
Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility (1811). copy citation
| Author | Jane Austen |
|---|---|
| Source | Sense and Sensibility |
| Topic | awkwardness shyness |
| Date | 1811 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/21839/21839-h/21839-h.htm |
Context
“
"Quite the contrary," replied Elinor, looking expressively at Marianne. "My judgment," he returned, "is all on your side of the question; but I am afraid my practice is much more on your sister's. I never wish to offend, but I am so foolishly shy, that I often seem negligent, when I am only kept back by my natural awkwardness. I have frequently thought that I must have been intended by nature to be fond of low company, I am so little at my ease among strangers of gentility!" [83]
"Marianne has not shyness to excuse any inattention of hers," said Elinor.” source
"Quite the contrary," replied Elinor, looking expressively at Marianne. "My judgment," he returned, "is all on your side of the question; but I am afraid my practice is much more on your sister's. I never wish to offend, but I am so foolishly shy, that I often seem negligent, when I am only kept back by my natural awkwardness. I have frequently thought that I must have been intended by nature to be fond of low company, I am so little at my ease among strangers of gentility!" [83]
"Marianne has not shyness to excuse any inattention of hers," said Elinor.” source
Meaning and analysis
