Elizabeth Gaskell Quotes

But suppose it was truth double strong, it were no truth to me if I couldna take it in. I daresay there's truth in yon Latin book on your shelves; but it's gibberish and no truth to me, unless I know the meaning o' the words.

Dixon was not unconscious of this awed reverence which was given to her; nor did she dislike it; it flattered her as much as Louis the Fourteenth was flattered by his courtiers shading their eyes from the dazzling light of his presence.

I wanted to see the place where Margaret grew to what she is, even at the worst time of all, when I had no hope of ever calling her mine...

Oh, Mr. Thornton, I am not good enough!'

'Not good enough! Don't mock my own deep feeling of unworthiness.

I'll not listen to reason... reason always means what someone else has got to say.

Loyalty and obedience to wisdom and justice are fine; but it is still finer to defy arbitrary power, unjustly and cruelly used-not on behalf of ourselves, but on behalf of others more helpless.

Sometimes one likes foolish people for their folly, better than wise people for their wisdom.

A wise parent humors the desire for independent action, so as to become the friend and advisor when his absolute rule shall cease.

The morning brought more peace if it did not entirely dissipate fear.

...being daunted by her father in every intellectual attempt, she read every book that came in her way, almost with as much delight as if it had been forbidden.

The French girls would tell you, to believe that you were pretty would make you so.

My father was a man, and I know the sex pretty well.

If she lives, she shall be my wedded wife. If she dies-mother, I can't speak of what I shall feel if she dies." His voice was choked in his throat.

I would far rather have two or three lilies of the valley gathered for me by a person I like, than the most expensive bouquet that could be bought!

North and South has both met and made kind o' friends in this big smoky place.

I value my own
independence so highly that I can fancy no degradation greater than that
of having another man perpetually directing and advising and lecturing
me, or even planning too closely in any way about my actions. He might
be the wisest of men, or the most powerful-I should equally rebel and
resent his interference...

I am so tired - so tired of being of being whirled on through all these phases of my life, in which nothing abides by me, no creature, no place; it is like the circle in which the victims of earthly passion eddy continually.

Miss Jenkyns wore a cravat, and a little bonnet like a jockey-cap, and altogether had the appearance of a strong-minded woman; although she would have despised the modern idea of women being equal to men. Equal, indeed! she knew they were superior.

Your husband this morning! Mine tonight! What do you take him for?'
'A man' smiled Cynthia. 'And therefore, if you won't let me call him changeable, I'll coin a word and call him consolable.

But the future must be met, however stern and iron it be.