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Brain Quote by Jane Austen

“But Shakespeare one gets acquainted with without knowing how. It is a part of an Englishman's constitution. His thoughts and beauties are so spread abroad that one touches them everywhere; one is intimate with him by instinct. No man of any brain can open at a good part of one of his plays without…” quote by Jane Austen
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“But Shakespeare one gets acquainted with without knowing how. It is a part of an Englishman's constitution. His thoughts and beauties are so spread abroad that one touches them everywhere; one is intimate with him by instinct. No man of any brain can open at a good part of one of his plays without falling into the flow of his meaning immediately.”

Jane Austen

About This Quote

Source Essay: Letters on Literature, 1815

Shakespeare's influence is so pervasive that people absorb his ideas instinctively, without formal study.

In simple terms: Shakespeare's ideas are everywhere, felt naturally.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and explore Shakespeare's impact in everyday thoughts.

Themes

literature culture instinct perception

Mood

reflective appreciative

Type

observational analytical

When to use this quote

  • education
  • reading groups
  • creative writing
  • public speaking

Key Concepts

English canon cultural diffusion unconscious learning

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does Shakespeare shape your everyday language?
  • What aspects of his work resonate most with you?
A Different Perspective

Understanding may be superficial without deeper analysis.

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