Success Quote by Frances Burney
““What arguments, what persuasions can I make use of, with any prospect of success, to such a woman as Madame Duval? ...She is too ignorant for instruction, too obstinate for entreaty, and too weak for reason.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Evelina, 1778
She laments the futility of persuading a stubborn, uneducated woman.
In simple terms: She sees trying to convince an ignorant, obstinate woman as pointless.
Key Takeaway
Accept limits of influence.
Themes
persuasion
gender
education
Mood
contemplative
critical
Type
literary
social commentary
When to use this quote
- courtship
- family negotiations
- social reform
Key Concepts
social hierarchy
communication barriers
female agency
Questions to Reflect On
- Can patience replace persuasion?
- What alternative approaches could work?
A Different Perspective
Changing attitudes may be slower than hoped.
![“Since I worked with Danny Boyle before on Slumdog Millionaire, we have great success and everything. So, when I first got the script and the screenplay of Simon (Beaufoy) and I was reading it, even before the shoot, some kind of sounds came into my mind and I put some stuff [down] and sent it to…” quote by A. R. Rahman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/573/a-r-rahman-4481_cutting_since-i-worked-with-danny-boyle-before-o_539.jpg)
![“Another gentleman ... desired to know if I was engaged, or would honour him with my hand [to dance]. So he was pleased to say, tho... Another gentleman ... desired to know if I was engaged, or would honour him with my hand [to dance]. So he was pleased to say, though I am sure I know not what…” quote by Frances Burney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f30/frances-burney-38055_quote_another-gentleman-desired-to-know-if-i-w_1193227.jpg)
