How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
At first sight, one often feels that he blends the dignity of mayoral status with the sort of charm still often to be found in a man of forty-five or fifty. (1.1.3)
A first look at Monsieur de Rênal suggests that he's a pretty dignified and charming guy. Now we eventually learn that the guy has all kinds of flaws, but this is a guy who's made his living off of first impressions, so what does he care about what a jerk he is when no one's looking?
Quote #2
Nor should we hide the fact that, in the eyes of the town's ladies, she was an outright fool, since with not the slightest regard for proper management of her husband, she passed over the loveliest opportunities for buying beautiful hats from Paris or Besançon. (1.3.28)
The women of Verrières often make fun of Madame de Rênal for not caring enough about her appearance. While they're all out trying to look as young and beautiful as possible, Madame dresses conservatively and doesn't even nag her husband enough to get herself a new hat now and then.
Quote #3
[Fouqé] was a tall young man, quite sufficiently ugly, with gross, hard features, a nose of infinite length, and a large store of goodwill hidden under his repulsive appearance. (1.12.20)
The narrator never misses a chance to describe characters in this book that are especially ugly. Julien's friend Fouqé is one of these characters, as you can see. But underneath those horrible looks is a really nice guy, so maybe it's best to give people a chance.