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Free Literature Study Guides
The Great Gatsby
Hamlet

Free Literature Study Guides
The Great Gatsby
Hamlet

Mr. John Knightley Quotes

“I never in my life saw a man more intent on being agreeable than Mr. Elton. It is downright labour to him where ladies are concerned. With men he can be rational and unaffected, but when he has ladies to please, every feature works.”

– Jane Austen

Emma, Chapter 13. John Knightley very accurately portrays Mr. Elton as a flatterer, especially towards women. He is speaking here to Emma, after observing Mr. Elton’s interaction with Emma.

“He seems to have a great deal of good-will towards you.” “Me!” she replied with a smile of astonishment, “are you imagining me to be Mr. Elton’s object?”

– Jane Austen

Emma, Chapter 13. Mr. John Knightley is the first to point out Mr. Elton’s romantic interest in Emma. He makes this observation after witnessing Mr. Elton’s behavior with Emma. She is amused by the suggestion.

“You will do well to consider whether it is so or not, and to regulate your behaviour accordingly. I think your manners to him encouraging. I speak as a friend, Emma. You had better look about you, and ascertain what you do, and what you mean to do.”

– Jane Austen

Emma, Chapter 13. Emma is warned by John Knightley to consider whether Mr. Elton is in love with her, and to adjust her behavior accordingly. He believes Emma has been encouraging him. He is the first person to point out that Mr. Elton is wooing Emma.

“Business, you know, may bring money, but friendship hardly ever does.”

– Jane Austen

Emma, Chapter 34. Mr. John Knightley presents this rather cynical view of friendship hardly ever bringing financial gain. He says it during a discussion with Jane Fairfax on the value of letters of business and letters of friendship.

“Time will generally lessen the interest of every attachment not within the daily circle.”

– Jane Austen

Emma, Chapter 34. John Knightley says this to Jane Fairfax, when speaking about her letters of friendship. He is suggesting that time brings change and can lessen the importance of relationships not part of one’s daily life.