When this topic from Long and Short Reviews came up I had to think a little. I've already posted about the Isaac Asimov quote that inspired my novel Photograph, so I thought I would try to find one from a novel this time.
Then I remembered my favourite scene from Jane Austen's Emma - the proposal by Mr Knightley.
"I cannot make speeches, Emma... If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more. But you know what I am. You hear nothing but truth from me. I have blamed you, and lectured you, and you have borne it as no other woman in England would have borne it. Bear with the truths I would tell you now, dearest Emma, as well as you have borne with them. The manner, perhaps, may have as little to recommend them. God knows, I have been a very indifferent lover. But you understand me. Yes, you see - you understand my feelings - and will return them if you can. At present, I ask only to hear, once to hear your voice."
For me this is the most romantic proposal Austen ever wrote, and I will never forgive the Anya Taylor-Joy adaptation for playing it for comedy by having Emma get a nosebleed in the middle of it.
So what's your favourite quote?
An interesting way of proposing, wow, honesty.
ReplyDeleteIt may lack flash, but it has real feeling.
DeleteAh, to be loved like that!
ReplyDelete<a href="https://nerdyreadergirl.wordpress.com/2022/05/24/wednesday-weekly-blogging-challenge-may-25-2022/:>My post</a>
Absolutely!
DeleteOh, good choice. Jane Austen is always a good choice.
ReplyDeleteShe's always been one of my favourites.
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