February 3rd, 2011

It’s Jane Austen’s World: We Just Live In It

From Emma:

“Emma has been meaning to read more ever since she was twelve years old. I have seen a great many lists of the drawing-up, at various times, of books that she meant to read regularly through — and very good lists they were, very well chosen, and very neatly arranged — sometimes alphabetically, and sometimes by some other rule. The list she drew up when only fourteen — I remember thinking it did her judgment so much credit, that I preserved it some time, and I dare say she may have made out a very good list now. But I have done with any steady course of reading from Emma. She will never submit to anything requiring industry and patience, and a subjection of the fancy to the understanding…”

As Mr. Knightley explains why Emma should not necessarily become good friends with Harriet, about page 26.