Her companion's discourse now sunk from its hitherto…
“Her companion's discourse now sunk from its hitherto animated pitch, to nothing more than a short, decisive sentence of praise or condemnation on the face of every woman they met; and Catherine, after listening and agreeing as long as she could,with all the civility and deference of the youthful female mind, fearful of hazarding an opinion of its own in opposition to that of a self-assured man, especially where the beauty of her own sex is concerned, ventured at length to vary the subject...”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Catherine feels pressured to echo men's opinions about women, fearing to voice her own view, especially on female beauty.
In simple terms: She is hesitant to express her own thoughts about women.
Key Takeaway
Speak your mind despite social pressure.
Themes
gender roles
social conformity
voice
beauty
courage
Mood
anxious
reflective
determined
Type
literary
feminist
social commentary
When to use this quote
- social gatherings
- debates on gender
- personal conversations
- public speaking
Key Concepts
feminist critique
self‑expression
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does fear of contradicting men affect women's confidence?
- When can you assert your own perspective?
A Different Perspective
Her deference may limit authentic dialogue and reinforce stereotypes.