Common life Quote by Jane Austen
![“[H]is first purpose was to explain himself, and before they reached Mr. Allen's grounds he had done it so well that Catherine did not think it could ever be repeated too often. She was assured of his affection; and that heart in return was solicited, which, perhaps, they pretty equally knew was…” quote by Jane Austen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/47f/jane-austen-39_common-life_h-is-first-purpose-was-to-explain-himsel_2858805.jpg)
““[H]is first purpose was to explain himself, and before they reached Mr. Allen's grounds he had done it so well that Catherine did not think it could ever be repeated too often. She was assured of his affection; and that heart in return was solicited, which, perhaps, they pretty equally knew was already entirely his own; for, though Henry was now sincerely attached to her, though he felt and delighted in all the excellencies of her character and truly loved her society, I must confess that his affection originated in nothing better than gratitude, or, in other words, that a persuasion of her partiality for him had been the only cause of giving her a serious thought. It is a new circumstance in romance, I acknowledge, and dreadfully derogatory of an heroine's dignity; but if it be as new in common life, the credit of a wild imagination will at least be all my own.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, 1811
The narrator explains that Henry's affection for Catherine stems mainly from gratitude rather than pure love, highlighting a self‑serving motive in romance.
In simple terms: His love is based on gratitude, not pure affection.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and question gratitude‑driven relationships.
Themes
romance
gratitude
self‑interest
honor
gender roles
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
literary
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- courtship
- marriage negotiations
- friendship dynamics
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
psychology
social expectations
motivation
Questions to Reflect On
- Is gratitude a healthy foundation for love?
- How does this affect a heroine’s dignity?
A Different Perspective
Gratitude can mask genuine affection, leading to questionable sincerity.
![“Catherine [...] enjoyed her usual happiness with Henry Tilney, listening with sparkling eyes to everything he said; and, in finding him irresistible, becoming so herself.” quote by Jane Austen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/049/jane-austen-39_becoming_catherine-enjoyed-her-usual-happiness-wi_284813.jpg)
![“Everybody is taken in at some period or another. [...] In marriage especially. [...] There is not one in a hundred of either sex, who is not taken in when they marry. Look where I will, I see that it is so; and I feel that it must be so, when I consider that it is, of all transactions, the one in…” quote by Jane Austen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/37a/jane-austen-39_marriage_everybody-is-taken-in-at-some-period-or_7175.jpg)
