Courtship Quote by Stephen Holden
“As the tide of feminism that crested two decades ago recedes and the old advance-and-retreat games of courtship return, "Pride & Prejudice" speaks wistfully to the moment. Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy are tantalizing early prototypes for a Katharine Hepburn-Spencer Tracy ideal of lovers as brainy, passionate sparring partners. That the world teems with fantasies of Mr. Darcy and his ilk there is no doubt. How many of his type are to be found outside the pages of a novel, however, is another matter.”
About This Quote
Source Review: The New York Times, 2016, on Pride & Prejudice adaptation
The novel’s characters embody intelligent, passionate partners, contrasting modern courtship’s retreat to old games.
In simple terms: Literature shows lovers as witty, passionate equals, unlike today’s dating patterns.
Key Takeaway
Seek partnership based on intellect and passion.
Themes
love
gender roles
courtship
intellect
Mood
nostalgic
analytical
Type
literary
cultural.
When to use this quote
- dating
- literary analysis
- relationship counseling
Key Concepts
partner dynamics
feminism
cultural shift
Questions to Reflect On
- How can couples cultivate both wit and passion?
- What does “brainy sparring” add to love?
A Different Perspective
Modern dating may undervalue intellectual sparring.
![“What are we watching?" [...] [...] He hugged her closer. "The sacrifices I make for you -just watch." She was intrigued enough to pay attention to the screen. " Pride and Prejudice ," she read out. "It's a book written by a human. Nineteenth century?" "Uh-huh." "The hero is... Mr. Darcy?" "Yes…” quote by Nalini Singh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/874/nalini-singh-293_funny_what-are-we-watching-he-hugged-her-close_3180199.jpg)
