I will not say that your mulberry-trees are dead, but I am afraid they are not alive.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker politely avoids declaring trees dead but implies they are likely dead.
- In plain terms
- The trees are probably dead even if not confirmed.
- What can you take from it?
- Sometimes truth is better hinted than stated.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is it kinder to hint than to state?
Another view
It may delay acceptance of reality by softening the truth.
More from Jane Austen
How horrible it is to have so many people killed! And what a blessing that one cares for none of them!
Permalink to quote #16 The little bit (two inches wide) of ivory on which I work with so fine a brush as produces little effect after much labour.
Permalink to quote #18 I begin already to weigh my words & sentences more than I did, & am looking about for a sentiment, an illustration, or a metaphor in every corner of the room. …
Permalink to quote #15
Related quotes
An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language.
Martin BuberMartin Buber quote #5 A fancifully fancyless medium of unvarnished news.
Willard van Orman QuineWillard van Orman Quine quote #7 I'd sooner exchange ideas with the birds on earth than learn to carry on intergalactic communications with some obscure race of humanoids on a satellite planet…
Edward AbbeyEdward Abbey quote #8