[Mrs. Allen was] never satisfied with the day unless she spent the chief of it by the side of Mrs. Thorpe, in what they called conversation, but in which there was scarcely ever any exchange of opinion, and not often any resemblance of subject, for Mrs. Thorpe talked chiefly of her children, and Mrs. Allen of her gowns.

Summary

This quote from Jane Austen's "Northanger Abbey" portrays a shallow and unfulfilling form of social interaction. It criticizes Mrs. Allen's lack of substantial conversation and her preference for discussing trivial matters like her gowns. The quote highlights the superficiality of Mrs. Allen's relationship with Mrs. Thorpe, where there is no opinion exchange or meaningful discussion. It underscores the insignificance of their conversations in terms of intellectual stimulation or personal growth. The quote exemplifies Austen's critique of society's preoccupation with superficial appearances and trivialities.

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