It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Society assumes a wealthy single man must be seeking marriage, reflecting economic realities.
- In plain terms
- Rich single men are expected to want wives.
- What can you take from it?
- Marriage often depends on financial status.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does money influence love today?
- What expectations do you face?
Another view
It reduces marriage to a transaction.
More from Jane Austen
People always live forever when there is an annuity to be paid them.
Permalink to quote #21 To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.
Permalink to quote #23 'I am afraid,' replied Elinor, 'that the pleasantness of an employment does not always evince its propriety.'
Permalink to quote #20
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