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About this quote

What does it mean?
A humorous observation on social meetings and speculating on the cause of deep mourning.
In plain terms
Noting people and guessing who died.
What can you take from it?
Social observation often includes idle speculation.

Where it applies

  • village gossip
  • travel note

Putting it to work

  • writing humorous social letters

Questions to consider

  • What stories do you tell about strangers?
  • How do you judge people at a glance?

Another view

This is a private note, not a general observation.

More from Jane Austen

  1. I had a very pleasant evening, however, though you will probably find out that there was no particular reason for it; but I do not think it worth while to wait…

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  2. We have been exceedingly busy ever since you went away. In the first place we have had to rejoice two or three times everyday at your having such very delightf…

    Permalink to quote #13
  3. You deserve a longer letter than this; but it is my unhappy fate seldom to treat people so well as they deserve.

    Permalink to quote #10

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