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I see you and St. John have been quarrelling, Jane,' said…

“I see you and St. John have been quarrelling, Jane,' said Diana, 'during your walk on the moor. But go after him; he is now lingering in the passage expecting you - he will make it up.' I have not much pride under such circumstances: I would always rather be happy than dignified; and I ran after…” quote by Charlotte Brontë
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““I see you and St. John have been quarrelling, Jane,' said Diana, 'during your walk on the moor. But go after him; he is now lingering in the passage expecting you - he will make it up.' I have not much pride under such circumstances: I would always rather be happy than dignified; and I ran after him - he stood at the foot of the stairs.””

Charlotte Brontë

About This Quote

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

A character prefers personal happiness over maintaining pride, choosing to pursue love despite social expectations.

In simple terms: Choosing joy over dignity in love.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize happiness over pride.

Themes

love pride choice social expectation personal freedom

Mood

thoughtful introspective

Type

literary romantic

When to use this quote

  • courtship
  • family expectations
  • personal growth
  • social mobility

Key Concepts

Romanticism individualism social class

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does happiness mean to you?
  • When is pride worth preserving?
A Different Perspective

Pride can protect self‑respect but may hinder fulfillment.

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