Skip to content

How is it that, a full two centuries after Jane Austen…

“How is it that, a full two centuries after Jane Austen finished her manuscript, we come to the world of Pride and Prejudice and find ourselves transcending customs, strictures, time, mores, to arrive at a place that educates, amuses, and enthralls us? It is a miracle. We read in bed because…” quote by Anna Quindlen
Download Open image
“How is it that, a full two centuries after Jane Austen finished her manuscript, we come to the world of Pride and Prejudice and find ourselves transcending customs, strictures, time, mores, to arrive at a place that educates, amuses, and enthralls us? It is a miracle. We read in bed because reading is halfway between life and dreaming, our own consciousness in someone else's mind.”

Anna Quindlen

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Literature end centuries can still captivate, offering amusement, education, and emotional escape beyond social constraints.

In simple terms: Classic stories still entertain and teach.

Key Takeaway

Embrace timeless narratives.

Themes

literature culture timelessness

Mood

thoughtful nostalgic

Type

inspirational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • reading for pleasure
  • academic study
  • social discussion
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

social critique empathy imagination

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does a classic novel speak to today's values?
  • What does reading reveal about your own mind?
A Different Perspective

Modern readers may miss historical context, leading to misinterpretation.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Anna Quindlen

Explore all 538 Anna Quindlen quotes

More Austen quotes

Browse all 292 Austen quotes