How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Kept aloof from all practical life as Philip had been, and by nature half feminine in sensitiveness, he had some of a woman’s intolerant repulsion towards worldliness [...]. (5.3.40)
Even the narrator often considers Philip somehow "feminine." It is interesting that traits like being sensitive are linked to women, which begs the question as to whether or not it is "manly" in this period to have traits like compassion. It is often unclear as to how the narrator feels about Philip’s "femininity" as well.
Quote #5
"Because you are a man, Tom, and have power, and can do something in the world."
"Then, if you can do nothing, submit to those who can." (5.5.85-6)
This is one of a few instances where characters, Maggie and Tom here, directly comment on political issues, in this case the Victorian era’s gender inequality. Politics often has a direct impact on personal lives, as we can see with Tom and Maggie. Tom expects Maggie to "submit" to him partially because she is a woman. But Tom doesn’t appear to see this world as divided by gender for the most part. Tom’s world is divided into him (always right) and everyone else.
Quote #6
[You] presently find yourself in the seat you like best - a little above or a little below the one in which your goddess sits - (it is the same thing to the metaphysic mind, and that is the reason why women are at once worshipped and looked down upon) [...] (6.7.1)
This is a good example of the narrator’s humorous voice, which is here mocking the way women are viewed as either divine or pathetic (never equal) in Victorian society.