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At first sight, his address is certainly not striking; and…

“At first sight, his address is certainly not striking; and his person can hardly be called handsome, till the expression of his eyes, which are uncommonly good, and the general sweetness of his countenance, is perceived. At present, I know him so well, that I think him really handsome; or at…” quote by Jane Austen
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““At first sight, his address is certainly not striking; and his person can hardly be called handsome, till the expression of his eyes, which are uncommonly good, and the general sweetness of his countenance, is perceived. At present, I know him so well, that I think him really handsome; or at least, almost so. What say you, Marianne?””

Jane Austen

About This Quote

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

Initial impressions can be misleading; deeper knowledge reveals true character and attraction.

In simple terms: First looks can deceive; true beauty emerges over time.

Key Takeaway

Look beyond surface.

Themes

appearance love judgment

Mood

thoughtful romantic

Type

literary conversational

When to use this quote

  • courtship
  • friendship
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

Character analysis social perception

Questions to Reflect On

  • What qualities become evident with time?
  • How do you reassess first impressions?
A Different Perspective

Physical attractiveness is not the sole basis for attraction.

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