How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
What was or was not "the thing" played a part as important in Newland Archer's New York as the inscrutable totem terrors that had ruled the destinies of his forefathers thousands of years ago. (1.4)
Things haven't changed much, have they? We're still obsessed with whatever's the "it" thing.
Quote #2
Singly they betrayed their inferiority; but grouped together they represented "New York," and the habit of masculine solidarity made him accept their doctrine on all issues called moral. He instinctively felt that in this respect it would be troublesome —and also rather bad form —to strike out for himself. (1.13)
Newland refers here to his peers, the men who circulate in the same elite social circles he does. Doing anything that veers away from what male "New York" dictates is unthinkable at this early point in the novel.
Quote #3
Few things seemed to Newland Archer more awful than an offense against "Taste," that far-off divinity of whom "Form" was the mere visible representative and viceregent. (2.9)
Huh, Newland can't think of anything more awful than bad taste? Consider how absurd this statement is, given that the novel takes place in the 1870s, with the Civil War just a decade before. Surely there are worse sins that being in poor taste.