How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Adam, I confess, was very susceptible to the influence of rank, and quite ready to give an extra amount of respect to every one who had more advantages than himself, not being a philosopher or a proletaire with democratic ideas, but simply a stout-limbed clever carpenter with a large fund of reverence in his nature, which inclined him to admit all established claims unless he saw very clear grounds for questioning them. He had no theories about setting the world to rights, but he saw there was a great deal of damage done by building with ill-seasoned timber—by ignorant men in fine clothes making plans for outhouses and workshops and the like without knowing the bearings of things—by slovenly joiners' work, and by hasty contracts that could never be fulfilled without ruining somebody; and he resolved, for his part, to set his face against such doings. On these points he would have maintained his opinion against the largest landed proprietor in Loamshire or Stonyshire either; but he felt that beyond these it would be better for him to defer to people who were more knowing than himself. (16.6)
Though he wants to prosper in life, Adam's ideas are by no means radical or revolutionary. So don't expect to see him building street barricades, waving a big red flag, or any of that other Les Misérables-style stuff. He respects the upper classes, he really does. His complaints against his superiors have to do mainly with individual instances of ill management.
Quote #5
"Mr. Ryde was a deal thought on at a distance, I believe, and he wrote books, but as for math'matics and the natur o' things, he was as ignorant as a woman. He was very knowing about doctrines, and used to call 'em the bulwarks of the Reformation; but I've always mistrusted that sort o' learning as leaves folks foolish and unreasonable about business. Now Mester Irwine was as different as could be: as quick!—he understood what you meant in a minute, and he knew all about building, and could see when you'd made a good job. And he behaved as much like a gentleman to the farmers, and th' old women, and the labourers, as he did to the gentry. You never saw HIM interfering and scolding, and trying to play th' emperor. Ah, he was a fine man as ever you set eyes on; and so kind to's mother and sisters. That poor sickly Miss Anne—he seemed to think more of her than of anybody else in the world. There wasn't a soul in the parish had a word to say against him; and his servants stayed with him till they were so old and pottering, he had to hire other folks to do their work." (17.9)
Here, Adam outlines the difference between two of Hayslope's ministers—Mr. Irwine and Mr. Ryde. Mr. Ryde was learned, proud, and impractical. And Mr. Irwine was his polar opposite. Though both men were intelligent, Mr. Irwine garnered respect because he could relate to the lower classes. Also, Irwine knew a thing or two about craftsmanship… and Mr. Ryde was pretentious.
Quote #6
"People in a high station are of course more thought of and talked about and have their virtues more praised, than those whose lives are passed in humble everyday work; but every sensible man knows how necessary that humble everyday work is, and how important it is to us that it should be done well. And I agree with my friend Mr. Arthur Donnithorne in feeling that when a man whose duty lies in that sort of work shows a character which would make him an example in any station, his merit should be acknowledged. He is one of those to whom honour is due, and his friends should delight to honour him. I know Adam Bede well—I know what he is as a workman, and what he has been as a son and brother—and I am saying the simplest truth when I say that I respect him as much as I respect any man living. But I am not speaking to you about a stranger; some of you are his intimate friends, and I believe there is not one here who does not know enough of him to join heartily in drinking his health." (24.8)
Mr. Irwine offers this speech in praise of Adam Bede. Though Mr. Irwine isn't blind to the class differences between him and Adam, he does declare the idea that an excellent member of a lower class deserves as much respect as "any man living." Good guy, that Adam. But Mr. Irwine still won't be inviting him over for crumpets and a game of chess.