Meaning: Frances Burney, an English novelist, playwright, and diarist, is known for her insightful observations of 18th-century society and her keen understanding of human behavior. The quote provided offers a glimpse into Burney's approach to storytelling and her emphasis on the importance of truth and plausibility in literature.

In this quote, Burney expresses her preference for a balance between realism and idealism in her works. She acknowledges the importance of truth, or at least the appearance of truth, in her storytelling. This emphasis on truth reflects Burney's commitment to creating narratives that resonate with readers on a realistic and relatable level. By striving for an "appearance of truth," Burney aims to ground her stories in a sense of authenticity, allowing readers to connect with the characters and events in a meaningful way.

Furthermore, Burney highlights her desire for the history in her works to feel natural, even as the sentiments expressed are refined. This juxtaposition of natural history and refined sentiments speaks to Burney's ability to infuse her narratives with a sense of elegance and sophistication while still maintaining a sense of authenticity and believability. This balance allows her to capture the complexities of human emotions and experiences within the context of natural and plausible storytelling.

Additionally, Burney emphasizes the importance of creating characters that are not only refined and exceptional in their behavior but also probable and believable. This dual focus on both refinement and probability underscores Burney's commitment to crafting characters that exhibit exceptional qualities while remaining rooted in the realm of possibility. By doing so, she seeks to create characters that inspire and captivate readers while still feeling authentic and relatable.

In essence, Burney's quote encapsulates her approach to storytelling, which is characterized by a harmonious blend of truth, naturalism, refinement, and probability. Her works are known for their astute observations of human behavior, their vivid portrayals of 18th-century society, and their ability to entertain and enlighten readers with narratives that are both plausible and emotionally resonant.

Frances Burney's novels, such as "Evelina" and "Cecilia," exemplify her commitment to creating stories that are grounded in truth and plausibility while also exploring the refined sentiments and exceptional behaviors of her characters. Through her writing, Burney invites readers into the intricacies of human experience, offering a delicate balance of realism and idealism that continues to captivate audiences to this day.

In conclusion, Frances Burney's quote serves as a testament to her dedication to crafting narratives that are not only aesthetically refined but also rooted in truth and plausibility. Her ability to balance naturalism with refinement and probability with exceptional behavior has solidified her reputation as a literary pioneer whose works continue to resonate with readers across generations.