How we cite our quotes: (Section.Paragraph)
Quote #4
His white cravat, his bald head, the jabot of his shirt, his roomy brown frock coat, the way he bent his arm when he took snuff – everything about him produced in her the kind of agitation we feel in the presence of extraordinary men. (2.23)
Monsieur Bourais is an ex-lawyer, and…well, you know the shtick: lawyers can be total know-it-alls. In fact, we'd recommend that most of them eat some humble pie themselves. So it's no surprise that simple Félicité feels agitated around Bourais; his presence alone is enough to remind her that she's inferior to him.
Quote #5
Paul explained these engravings to Félicité. It was the only book learning she had ever received. (2.26)
A big contributing factor to Félicité's humility is her lack of education. Whether religious or academic, she grows up without anyone worrying about what she learns and how. This also means she hasn't really been taught how to act in society. That in and of itself keeps her pretty humble, we bet.
Quote #6
For many years, this episode was a topic of conversation in Pont-l'Évêque. But Félicité, unaware that she had done anything heroic, took no pride in it. (2.37)
Félicité protects the Aubain family from a charging bull like it ain't no thing. The whole family could have died, especially her, but she "takes no pride" in her own bravery. She could have become a blowhard, bragging about her courage for the rest of her life, but her humble self forgets it.