How we cite our quotes: (Chapter. Paragraph)
Quote #1
For six months she schemed to prevent the match, and when it had taken place she turned to another task—the supervision of her daughter-in-law. Lilia must be pushed through life without bringing discredit on the family into which she had married. (1.37)
Mrs. Herriton would be a nightmare to have as your mother-in-law… or your mother, for that matter. She's pushy, controlling, and judgmental. She is so obsessed with protecting the family name that she never prioritizes Lilia's happiness. Notice the narrator's use of the verb "pushed." Lilia isn't guided gently through life, or encouraged to explore and grow. Instead, Mrs. Herriton pushes her through a set path and won't tolerate any deviations from it. Ugh.
Quote #2
"Philip laughs at everything—the Book Club, the Debating Society, the Progressive Whist, the bazaars. People won't like it. We have our reputation. A house divided against itself cannot stand." (1.58)
There are very few things in life that Philip takes seriously. In nearly every situation, he'll find a way to throw in a witty or sarcastic comment. It drives Harriet nuts that her brother is constantly cracking jokes. Harriet is afraid that Philip's flippancy will make the family look bad, but Philip seems to take pride in his detachment from life.
Quote #3
"Yes! and I forbid you to do it! You despise me, perhaps, and think I'm feeble. But you're mistaken. You are ungrateful and impertinent and contemptible, but I will save you in order to save Irma and our name." (2.110)
Lilia manages to get a rise out of Philip when she accuses his whole family of mistreating her. But he falls back on the same line of reasoning that Mrs. Herriton always uses: that Lilia is ill-mannered and that the Herriton reputation must be remain untarnished from her misconduct. Does Philip really believe this or is he just following his mother's orders without thinking for himself? You be the judge.