Human Nature

Austen's quote about human nature is rather thought provoking. She says, "human nature is so well disposed towards those who are in interesting situations, that a young person, who either marries or dies, is sure of being kindly spoken of" (120). Here she is talking about Mr. Elton's new wife. Everyone was sure he was going to marry Harriet, but when he left and married someone else, they immediately fell in love with that lady. Simply because she was in an interesting situation. If Mr. Elton had died instead of gotten married, the people of Highbury would have been just as interested in his life as they were interested in his wife. As it is, they have all decided to adore her before meeting her, mainly because she married their beloved vicar.