‘IT is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.’
Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
I have selected these few words for this week’s Trifextra challenge out of the billions of verses ever written because I love the way how Ms Austen uses them, with a cheeky tongue in cheek style, to set the whole tone for her novel. In just 23 words, she manages to ridicule the whole sacred and sacrosanct institution of marriage in her time. She brings to light the fact that women had no other option in life but to be married to a man of means if they wanted to be ‘respectable’, fed, and have a roof over their heads.
It was tragic that women had no prospects back then, no means to establish their own paths in life, but had to inevitably depend on a man for any sort of material comfort. Thinking of the female plight just a few centuries – in effect even to just a few decades – back I feel a spitting rage rising within me. And I think, so did Jane Austen and she summarises the whole situation – the whole ridiculous, tragic situation – with these apt 23 words in the beginning of what became her most famous novel.
Sandra's scribbles 
one of my favorite books, favorite movies (I watch it at least once a month…if not week, even Jacob love P&P..) and one of the most amazing lines every written.
it’s a true favorite of mine too.
(love, the woman with the minor in Women’s Studies 🙂
I attempted to have my boyfriend watch it. It turned out to be the fail of the century! But, like you, I’ve lost count how many times I’ve seem that film!
Jacob is actually one of my 5 yr old twins..he loves the accents, the dancing. John, my husband, does not mind the movie, he gets sucks in whenever I have it on. I won’t say he would choose it outright, that’s a lie, but he doesn’t hate it..
That is so cute! And good job in inducing your son so early in the exciting world of period drama. The accents are actually a big part of why I love them so much – such perfect English!
I never read this book. Another to add to my To Read list haha 😀
Oh you’re missing a lot!
One of my favs
🙂 Thanks for reading.
This is my favorite book and movie of all time! Brilliant quote choice.
Thanks Deana! 🙂
Jane Austen, she is my favorite! I chose a snippet from Persuasion.
Oooh another Austen fan! 😀
This is one of my favorite stories of all time. I am a horror nut but I have a deeply romantic side too (who woulda thunk it?). I think the quote you picked is perfect for the challenge 🙂
Thanks. You can’t not get the fuzzy feelings when Mr Darcy is a main character!
Love the quote, in terms of its power as a first line and what not.
…Have never liked the book.
*flees from the fury of Austen fans*
As long as you liked my quote, I’ll forgive you 😛
Austen is running the table so far this weekend! Congrats on making such a popular and well-received choice.
Thanks Cobbie 🙂
Nice choice 🙂
Thank you.
One of my fav books and I thought of exactly this quote when I read the prompt.. And then saw your post.. 🙂 Simply perfect!
I knew someone else would think of it! It’s just too good! Thanks for reading.
Loved this book.
Yes, it’s a great one!
what a coincidence i’ve just finished watching the movie tonight (for the nth time) it’s a wonderful choice.
The Universe is a strange place!
I’ve lost count how many times I’ve watched it, both P&P and Emma.
One of my very favorite books and very favorite lines!! 😀
You and millions of other women I think – the words just strike a chord!
I’ve read a few excerpts from the book but never the entirety of it… I really must! 😀 This is a brilliant line! 😀
Thanks. The book is quite an easy read, despite the time in which it was written.
I love that quote, and it is one of my favorite books, too. Women have always had a fight on their hands when it comes to being independent. But I like to thing we have triumphed.
We have come a long way; at least in certain cultures we have.
You’d think, right? Maybe in those days, when marriage was the official seal that you’re a bona fide adult. But these days? If a man has fortune, it’s probably because he *doesn’t* have a wife. LOL
True, or he would have lost it in the divorce 🙂
Nice choice!
thanks.
Hard to beat Jane. Or Lizzie, for that matter.
Hehe 🙂 Thanks for reading.
Nice choice, I was thinking of using it, but I do not think I could do it as much justice as you did with your breakdown of the meaning behind the quote. 🙂 Nice job.
Aww, thanks Jodie 🙂
A great choice from a brilliant book,loved it Sandra:-)
Somehow, I had an inkling that you would 🙂
Ha!ha!Am I that transparent?;-)
No, no..it’s just from what I read in your blog and your comments, I think we have similar tastes, so I assumed that you’ll like this one.
lol,I was just kidding Sandra-am honoured that you think that we have similar tastes,thank you so ,much:-)
🙂
🙂