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Daughter Quote by Jane Austen

“Mrs. Jennings was a widow, with an ample jointure. She had only two daughters, both of whom she had lived to see respectably married, and she had now therefore nothing to do but to marry all the rest of the world.” quote by Jane Austen
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“Mrs. Jennings was a widow, with an ample jointure. She had only two daughters, both of whom she had lived to see respectably married, and she had now therefore nothing to do but to marry all the rest of the world.”

Jane Austen

About This Quote

The narrator humorously critiques a widow’s limited social role, suggesting marriage is her only perceived purpose after raising daughters.

In simple terms: She sees marriage as her sole purpose now.

Key Takeaway

Societal expectations confine women’s identities.

Themes

gender roles social commentary marriage

Mood

wry observational

Type

social satire

When to use this quote

  • historical analysis
  • family dynamics
  • women’s career planning

Key Concepts

feminist critique

Practical Applications

  • challenge assumptions about women’s life stages

Questions to Reflect On

  • How have perceptions of widowhood changed since Austen’s era?
  • What alternatives exist for women seeking purpose beyond marriage?
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