Skip to content

Regret Quote by Jane Austen

“Dear, dear Norland!" said Marianne, as she wandered alone before the house, on the last evening of their being there; "when shall I cease to regret you? -- when learn to feel a home elsewhere? -- Oh happy house! could you know what I suffer in now viewing you from this spot, from whence perhaps I…” quote by Jane Austen
Download Open image
““Dear, dear Norland!" said Marianne, as she wandered alone before the house, on the last evening of their being there; "when shall I cease to regret you? -- when learn to feel a home elsewhere? -- Oh happy house! could you know what I suffer in now viewing you from this spot, from whence perhaps I may view you no more! -- And you, ye well-known trees! -- but you will continue the same. -- No leaf will decay because we are removed, nor any branch become motionless although we can observe you no longer! -- No; you will continue the same; unconscious of the pleasure or the regret you occasion, and insensible of any change in those who walk under your shade! -- But who will remain to enjoy you?””

Jane Austen

About This Quote

Source Novel: Emma, Jane Austen, 1815

Nature endures beyond human presence, suggesting continuity despite personal absence.

In simple terms: Nature persists after us.

Key Takeaway

Find solace in enduring natural cycles.

Themes

nature legacy transience humanity

Mood

contemplative hopeful

Type

literary reflective

When to use this quote

  • grief counseling
  • landscape photography
  • writing

Key Concepts

romanticism environmental philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you connect with nature?
  • What endures after we’re gone?
A Different Perspective

Human concerns feel fleeting.

4.9 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Jane Austen

Explore all 2,013 Jane Austen quotes

More Regret quotes

Browse all 9,960 Regret quotes