16 November, 2006

Henry Tilney on the Understanding of Women

"And now, Henry," said Miss Tilney, "that you have made us understand each other, you may as well make Miss Morland understand yourself--unless you mean to have her think you intolerably rude to your sister, and a great brute in your opinion of women in general. Miss Morland is not used to your odd ways."
"I shall be most happy to make her better acquainted with them."
"No doubt;--but that is no explanation for the present."
"What am I to do?"
"You know what you ought to do. Clear your character handsomely before her. Tell her that you think very highly of the understanding of women."
"Miss Morland, I think very highly of the understanding of all the women in the world--especially of those--whoever they may be--with whom I happen to be in company."
"That is not enough. Be more serious."
"Miss Morland, no one can think more highly of the understanding of women than I do. In my opinion, nature has given them so much, that they never find it necessary to use more than half."

From Northanger Abbey, pages 78-79

2 comments:

Kelly said...

LOL! Mr. Knightley may be the best man in Jane Austen's world, but I like Mr. Tilney the best.
:-D

Miss Puritan Chickie said...

He's turning out quite well, in my opinion. It's a little early in the book to be saying, I suppose, but I like him very much indeed.