UK's New Note Features Jane Austen, But Quote Used Has Many Amused

On Tuesday, the Bank of England unveiled a new 10-pound note featuring Jane Austen. The note, unveiled on the author's 200th death anniversary, includes an image of Austen along with a quote from Pride and Prejudice that has left many amused. The words on the note - "I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading!" - innocuous at first glance, were actually uttered by one of Austen's most despicable characters, Caroline Bingley, in an attempt to impress Mr Darcy.

The oversight did not go unnoticed on social media, where many located the quote in context and pointed out that Miss Bingley's character had no interest in books, or reading.
 

The Austen quote spoken by....

Caroline Bingley trying to show off to Darcy, despite never having any inclination to read at all. pic.twitter.com/dKeSNGTCsI

- Stig Abell (@StigAbell) July 18, 2017

Jane Austen would be amused that Caroline Bingley's self aggrandising quote about reading ended up on her £10 note. "Lol" she would've said.

- Philippa_Perry (@Philippa_Perry) July 18, 2017

Personally I think the best #Austen quote for the new £10 note would be "You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you"

- Hannah Wilkie (@hrw1993) July 18, 2017

This quote is from one of Austen's most obnoxious characters, and said to purely to impress a man. Why have the Bank of England done this? pic.twitter.com/3iE8bWbgTu

- David Whitley (@mrdavidwhitley) July 18, 2017

The note was launched by Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England, at Austen's resting place, Winchester Cathedral.
 

Mark Carney unveils new £10 note at @WinCathedral #janeausten200 #10PoundNote #BankOfEngland pic.twitter.com/cpYFuxhwye

- Winchester Cathedral (@WinCathedral) July 18, 2017

Along with the portrait of Austen, the note also features an illustration of one of her most beloved characters, Elizabeth Bennet, says the Bank of England.
 Jane Austen, one of Britain's best-loved and most famous authors, is still widely-read today all over the world.