When we’re craving some escapism, there’s nothing quite like a period piece to satisfy us. The windswept moors, flowery romantic language, and extravagant clothing are enough to make any of us wish we could live inside a Jane Austen novel.
Over the years, we’ve been treated to some especially decadent period pieces that have become cultural mainstays. One swoon-worthy scene from the 2005 Pride and Prejudice has achieved such popularity that it’s now simply referred to as “the hand flex scene.” And let’s not forget the 1995 Pride and Prejudice scene where Mr. Darcy takes a dip in a lake, which was immortalized in 2013 by a statue in London’s Hyde Park.
Nowadays, we also have wildly popular shows such as Bridgerton that have captured the attention of millions of viewers with their idyllic settings and passionate love stories. In times of hardship and uncertainty, it can be comforting to pop on movies and shows like these, where leisurely walks through picturesque gardens are the norm and everyone who’s meant to be together in the end surely will be.
To celebrate these charming tales, dear reader, we’ve gathered some dreamy quotes from 13 of our all-time favorite period pieces to sweep you off your feet.
I have never met anyone like you. It is maddening, how much you consume my very being … All I find myself thinking about, all I find myself being able to breathe for is you.Lord Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) in “Bridgerton” (2020-present)
I have loved you since the moment I clapped eyes on you. What could be more reasonable than to marry you?Laurie (Christian Bale) in “Little Women” (1994)
I can bear pain myself, but I couldna bear yours. That would take more strength than I have.Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) in “Outlander” (2014-present)
What value will there ever be in life, if we are not together?Tom Lefroy (James McAvoy) in “Becoming Jane” (2007)
I've been meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow.Mr. Darcy (Colin Firth) in “Pride and Prejudice” (1995)
I have lived a full life here. I have not been trampled on. I have not been petrified. I have not been excluded from every glimpse of what is bright. I have known you, Mr. Rochester, and it strikes me with anguish to be torn from you.Jane Eyre (Mia Wasikowska) in “Jane Eyre” (2011)
I would never be happy with anyone else as long as you walked the earth.Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens) in “Downton Abbey” (2010-2015)
He wants you for a possession, something to look at, like a painting or an ivory box. Something to own and to display. He doesn't want you to be real, and to think and to live. He doesn't love you. But I love you. I want you to have your own thoughts and ideas and feelings, even when I hold you in my arms.George Emerson (Julian Sands) in “A Room With a View” (1985)
I've come here with no expectations, only to profess, now that I am at liberty to do so, that my heart is, and always will be, yours.Edward Ferrars (Hugh Grant) in “Sense and Sensibility” (1995)
In solitude, I felt the liberty you spoke of. But I also felt your absence.Héloïse (Adèle Haenel) in “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” (2019)
I can become again the man who once crossed the surrey park at dusk, in my best suit, swaggering on the promise of life. The man who, with the clarity of passion, made love to you in the library. The story can resume. I will return. Find you, love you, marry you, and live without shame.Robbie Turner (James McAvoy) in “Atonement” (2007)
I rode through the rain! I'd — I'd ride through worse than that if I could just hear your voice telling me that I might, at least, have some chance to win you.Mr. Knightley (Jeremy Northam) in “Emma” (1996)
You have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love — I love — I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on.Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen) in “Pride and Prejudice” (2005)
Featured image credit: TV Times via Getty I,ages
