Lady Susan

by

Jane Austen

Sir Reginald De Courcy Character Analysis

Sir Reginald De Courcy is Catherine Vernon and Reginald De Courcy’s father and Lady De Courcy’s husband; he’s a quick-tempered, reactive man, but he’s also easily persuaded by others. After he accidentally learns about Reginald’s attachment to Lady Susan, he writes his son a strongly-worded letter objecting to the match—because it would make Reginald unhappy, because Lady Susan is penniless, and because the family’s good name would be at stake due to Lady Susan’s bad reputation. Reginald responds, saying that he has no intention of marrying Lady Susan. Catherine knows this to be untrue, but Sir Reginald believes it, suggesting that he’s easily influenced.

Sir Reginald De Courcy Quotes in Lady Susan

The Lady Susan quotes below are all either spoken by Sir Reginald De Courcy or refer to Sir Reginald De Courcy. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Gender, Power, and Manipulation Theme Icon
).
Letters 11–20 Quotes

You must be sensible that as an only son, and the representative of an ancient family, your conduct in life is most interesting to your connections. In the very important concern of marriage especially, there is everything at stake; your own happiness, that of your parents, and the credit of your name. I do not suppose that you would deliberately form an absolute engagement of that nature without acquainting your mother and myself, or at least without being convinced that we should approve of your choice; but I cannot help fearing that you may be drawn in, by the lady who has lately attached you, to a marriage, which the whole of your family, far and near, must highly reprobate.

Related Characters: Sir Reginald De Courcy (speaker), Lady Susan, Reginald De Courcy, Lady De Courcy
Page Number: 19
Explanation and Analysis:
Letters 21–30 Quotes

For an hour or two, I was even staggered in my resolution of marrying him—and though this was too idle and nonsensical an idea to remain long on my mind, I do not feel very eager for the conclusion of my marriage, or look forward with much impatience to the time when Reginald according to our agreement is to be in town. I shall probably put off his arrival, under some pretence or other. He must not come till Manwaring is gone. I am still doubtful at times, as to marriage. If the old man would die, I might not hesitate; but a state of dependence on the caprice of Sir Reginald, will not suit the freedom of my spirit.

Related Characters: Lady Susan (speaker), Catherine Vernon, Reginald De Courcy, Alicia Johnson, Mr. Manwaring, Sir Reginald De Courcy
Page Number: 55
Explanation and Analysis:
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Sir Reginald De Courcy Quotes in Lady Susan

The Lady Susan quotes below are all either spoken by Sir Reginald De Courcy or refer to Sir Reginald De Courcy. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Gender, Power, and Manipulation Theme Icon
).
Letters 11–20 Quotes

You must be sensible that as an only son, and the representative of an ancient family, your conduct in life is most interesting to your connections. In the very important concern of marriage especially, there is everything at stake; your own happiness, that of your parents, and the credit of your name. I do not suppose that you would deliberately form an absolute engagement of that nature without acquainting your mother and myself, or at least without being convinced that we should approve of your choice; but I cannot help fearing that you may be drawn in, by the lady who has lately attached you, to a marriage, which the whole of your family, far and near, must highly reprobate.

Related Characters: Sir Reginald De Courcy (speaker), Lady Susan, Reginald De Courcy, Lady De Courcy
Page Number: 19
Explanation and Analysis:
Letters 21–30 Quotes

For an hour or two, I was even staggered in my resolution of marrying him—and though this was too idle and nonsensical an idea to remain long on my mind, I do not feel very eager for the conclusion of my marriage, or look forward with much impatience to the time when Reginald according to our agreement is to be in town. I shall probably put off his arrival, under some pretence or other. He must not come till Manwaring is gone. I am still doubtful at times, as to marriage. If the old man would die, I might not hesitate; but a state of dependence on the caprice of Sir Reginald, will not suit the freedom of my spirit.

Related Characters: Lady Susan (speaker), Catherine Vernon, Reginald De Courcy, Alicia Johnson, Mr. Manwaring, Sir Reginald De Courcy
Page Number: 55
Explanation and Analysis: