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Acquaintance Quote by Jane Austen

“I particularly recollect your saying one night, after they had been dining at Netherfield, 'SHE a beauty!--I should as soon call her mother a wit.' But afterwards she seemed to improve on you, and I believe you thought her rather pretty at one time." "Yes," replied Darcy, who could contain himself…” quote by Jane Austen
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“I particularly recollect your saying one night, after they had been dining at Netherfield, 'SHE a beauty!--I should as soon call her mother a wit.' But afterwards she seemed to improve on you, and I believe you thought her rather pretty at one time." "Yes," replied Darcy, who could contain himself no longer, "but THAT was only when I first saw her, for it is many months since I have considered her as one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance.”

Jane Austen

About This Quote

Source Novel: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, 1813

Darcy admits his attraction to Elizabeth while acknowledging his earlier, more superficial admiration of her mother, showing how his feelings evolve from superficial to genuine.

In simple terms: Darcy’s feelings change from shallow to sincere.

Key Takeaway

Recognize deeper qualities beyond first impressions.

Themes

love self-awareness growth

Mood

reflective romantic

Type

literary dialogue

When to use this quote

  • courtship
  • social gatherings
  • family introductions

Key Concepts

pride prejudice character development

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do first impressions shape our judgments?
  • What causes feelings to deepen over time?
A Different Perspective

Darcy’s honesty may be limited by social expectations.

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