How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #10
As the weeks went by, the population became noticeably more sober; there were still riotous parties [...] but far few than there had been earlier. (7.202)
It's almost as if everyone has become dissatisfied with all of that dissatisfaction. More likely, however, everyone has finally admitted that the end is really coming, and that they'd better use their final moments wisely. Though you might consider this a sign of defeat, we'd argue that it's a sign of acceptance.