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You see, I am a very prosaic, unromantic, sensible sort of…

“You see, I am a very prosaic, unromantic, sensible sort of fellow myself; and I have always had my heart set on finding the most sensible, prudent, level-headed wife in the world. But, on the other hand, it is very important to me that she possess one very particular flaw: she must have no sense…” quote by Jane Austen
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““You see, I am a very prosaic, unromantic, sensible sort of fellow myself; and I have always had my heart set on finding the most sensible, prudent, level-headed wife in the world. But, on the other hand, it is very important to me that she possess one very particular flaw: she must have no sense whatsoever where I myself am concerned. She would only have to take one look at me and - no matter what her steadiness of mind - she would lose it in the space of seconds... Just lately, I have sometimes thought I may have found what I have always wanted. But just lately I have also noticed she has developed a most irritating habit of looking at the ground whenever we are together. Do you think she could try to overcome it? Well, Charlotte, are you going to look at me now?””

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.

The narrator seeks a partner who is both sensible and blissfully unaware of his own quirks, highlighting a desire for both stability and mystery.

In simple terms: He wants a practical wife who doesn’t notice his oddities.

Key Takeaway

Balance practicality with a touch of mystery.

Themes

relationships humor self-awareness expectations

Mood

playful ironic

Type

literary humorous

When to use this quote

  • courtship
  • marriage
  • personal quirks
  • communication
  • self-acceptance

Key Concepts

social satire character dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can you accept a partner’s flaws without trying to change them?
  • What does “no sense” mean in a relationship?
A Different Perspective

A partner who is too aware may diminish the charm of mystery.

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