"She was a handsome woman of forty-five and would remain so for many years"

J.B. Priestley’s description, “She was a handsome woman of forty-five and would remain so for many years,” offers more than a simple statement about physical appearance; it draws attention to the enduring quality of the character he is portraying. The choice of the word “handsome” rather than “beautiful” or “pretty” is notable. Traditionally applied to men, “handsome” ascribes to the woman a dignity, strength, and presence that transcends conventional youth-centered beauty standards. It points towards a mature, composed attractiveness that is tied to confidence and self-assurance, traits that often strengthen with age.

The explicit mention of her age, forty-five, is deliberate. At a time and in many societies where youth and beauty are intimately linked, Priestley challenges prevailing notions by suggesting that allure and charm do not dissipate with the passage of years. Instead, the character’s appeal is shown as persistent, likely rooted in qualities deeper than surface-level beauty. Priestley’s assertion that she “would remain so for many years” further underscores a sense of stability and permanence. There is no suggestion of fleeting youth; rather, he offers an alternative to the idea that women fade as they grow older. The phrase suggests an inner resilience and vitality, perhaps built on character, intellect, or emotional strength, that grants her an impressiveness resistant to the ravages of time.

Moreover, Priestley’s sentence quietly resists the societal tendency to undervalue older women. The description can be read as a celebration of longevity and consistent attractiveness, indicating that self-possession, maturity, and experience contribute to charm as much as – if not more than – mere youthfulness. In a subtle yet powerful way, the portrayal affirms the worth of women past their supposed prime, inviting readers to reconsider what is meant by beauty, and to recognize its presence across all stages of life.