A Russian Beauty Society and Class Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)

Quote #4

In Berlin, Olga gradually acquired a large group of friends, all of them young Russians. A certain jaunty tone was established. "Let's go to the cinemonkey," or "That was a heely deely German Diele, dance hall." All sorts of popular sayings, cant phrases, imitations of imitations were much in demand. "These cutlets are grim." "I wonder who's kissing her now?" Or, in a hoarse, choking voice: "Messieurs les officiers …" (7)

These guys are just showing off how international they are by throwing in slang, German, and French along with their Russian. We get it; you're smarter than everyone else.

Quote #5

But presently her life darkened. Something was finished, people were already getting up to leave. How quickly! Her father died, she moved to another street. She stopped seeing her friends, knitted the little bonnets in fashion, and gave cheap French lessons at some ladies' club or other. In this way her life dragged on to the age of thirty. (9)

Notice how Olga's life changes completely after her father dies. This tells us a lot about the status women held at the time.

Quote #6

"No, my dear, I'm no longer that age," answered Olga, "and besides…" She added a little detail and Vera burst out laughing, letting her parcels sink almost to the ground. "No, seriously," said Olga, with a smile. (12)

Super awkward. Why do you think Vera laughs at Olga? Do you think that she can understand her situation? What do you think is her social status?