Original artwork, not a still
Northanger Abbey • 1818
I am pleased that you have learned to love a hyacinth. The mere habit of learning to love is the thing; and a teachableness of disposition in a young lady is a great blessing.
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
The speaker welcomes a newly acquired love of hyacinths as evidence that affection can be learned. Calling a teachable disposition a blessing makes openness to new pleasures sound like a virtue. The formal approval gives a small preference a surprisingly weighty treatment.
Context reviewed
