Ashamed Quote by Fanny Burney
“Tired, ashamed, and mortified, I begged to sit down till we returned home, which I did soon after. Lord Orville did me the honour to hand me to the coach, talking all the way of the honour I had done him ! O these fashionable people!”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Evelina by Fanny Burney, 1778
The narrator feels embarrassed and seeks to leave, but is forced to continue, highlighting social pressure and class expectations.
In simple terms: She feels ashamed and is compelled to stay despite wanting to leave.
Key Takeaway
Question personal dignity against societal expectations.
Themes
social class
embarrassment
authority
Mood
embarrassed
ironic
Type
satirical
narrative
When to use this quote
- high‑society events
- family gatherings
- public speaking
- court appearances
Key Concepts
conformity
public image
personal agency
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance personal comfort with social obligations?
- When is it appropriate to assert oneself?
A Different Perspective
The tone may exaggerate personal humiliation for comedic effect.
![“I never pretend to be so superior a being as to be above having and indulging a hobby horse [her journal writing], and while I keep mine within due bounds and limits, nobody, I flatter myself, would wish to deprive me of the poor animal: to be sure, he is not formed for labour, and is rather lame…” quote by Fanny Burney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d52/fanny-burney-7403_animal_i-never-pretend-to-be-so-superior-a-bein_485407.jpg)
![“The laws of custom make our [returning a visit] necessary. O how I hate this vile custom which obliges us to make slaves of ourselves! to sell the most precious property we boast, our time;--and to sacrifice it to every prattling impertinent who chooses to demand it!” quote by Fanny Burney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d6b/fanny-burney-7403_boast_the-laws-of-custom-make-our-returning-a_580819.jpg)
