The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Preface

The mother’s yearning, that completest type of the life in another life which is the essence of
real human love, feels the presence of the cherished child even in the debased, degraded man.
‘Adam Bede’ (1859) ch. 43
Gossip is a sort of smoke that comes from the dirty tobacco-pipes of those who diffuse it: it
proves nothing but the bad taste of the smoker.
‘Daniel Deronda’ (1876) bk. 2, ch. 13
A difference of taste in jokes is a great strain on the affections.
‘Daniel Deronda’ (1876) bk. 2, ch. 15
There is a great deal of unmapped country within us which would have to be taken into
account in an explanation of our gusts and storms.
‘Daniel Deronda’ (1876) bk. 3, ch. 24
Friendships begin with liking or gratitude—roots that can be pulled up.
‘Daniel Deronda’ (1876) bk. 4, ch. 32
Half the sorrows of women would be averted if they could repress the speech they know to be
useless; nay, the speech they have resolved not to make.
‘Felix Holt’ (1866) ch. 2
There is no private life which has not been determined by a wider public life.
‘Felix Holt’ (1866) ch. 3
An election is coming. Universal peace is declared, and the foxes have a sincere interest in
prolonging the lives of the poultry.
‘Felix Holt’ (1866) ch. 5
A little daily embroidery had been a constant element in Mrs Transome’s life; that soothing
occupation of taking stitches to produce what neither she nor any one else wanted, was then the
resource of many a well-born and unhappy woman.
‘Felix Holt’ (1866) ch. 7
Speech is often barren; but silence also does not necessarily brood over a full nest. Your still
fowl, blinking at you without remark, may all the while be sitting on one addled egg; and when it
takes to cackling will have nothing to announce but that addled delusion.
‘Felix Holt’ (1866) ch. 15
A woman can hardly ever choose...she is dependent on what happens to her. She must take
meaner things, because only meaner things are within her reach.
‘Felix Holt’ (1866) ch. 27
There’s many a one who would be idle if hunger didn’t pinch him; but the stomach sets us to
work.
‘Felix Holt’ (1866) ch. 30
‘Abroad’, that large home of ruined reputations.
‘Felix Holt’ (1866) epilogue
Many Theresas have been born who found for themselves no epic life wherein there was a
constant unfolding of far-resonant action; perhaps only a life of mistakes, the offspring of a
certain spiritual grandeur ill-matched with the meanness of opportunity; perhaps a tragic failure