Emma Love Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

I certainly will not persuade myself to feel more than I do. I am quite enough in love. I should be sorry to be more. (31.2)

Emma manages to talk herself out of love as soon as she imagines herself in it! Note, though, that even Emma is influenced by universal maxims about love. No one gets to be truly individual in an Austen novel.

Quote #5

[…] they say every body is in love once in their lives, and I shall have been let off easily. (31.4)

Emma’s pragmatism in matters of the heart is in fine form here. Notice that she’s the one persuading herself to be in love. No one else is really involved.

Quote #6

This gallant young man, who seemed to love without feeling, and to recommend himself without complaisance […] (41.19)

Knightley’s opinion of Frank speaks to the dangers of marrying for money: rich young men feel no need to act responsibly.