How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
It was the withering effect of a politeness that was wonderful, but never unguarded, perfectly calibrated to social status: this was the mark of high society. But no feeling heart could ignore its artificiality. (2.5.7)
Mathilde de La Mole is every bit as polite and graceful as you'd expect someone from her social class to be. But beneath it all, there's a total emptiness in her heart. Julien can tell this right away because he doesn't come from Mathilde's world. Upper class folks wouldn't even notice it for a second, though. It's become customary for people to be polite and phony.
Quote #5
"When I see you wearing this medal, you'll be the younger son of my friend, the Duke of Chaulnes." (2.7.52)
The Marquis de La Mole has become aware of the rumors spreading about Julien being the son of a nobleman. He's not one to burst Julien's bubble, so he decides to play along. But just to keep things straight in his head, he gets Julien to wear a medal whenever he's pretending to be a nobleman's son. When he's not wearing the medal, he's back to being the marquis' employee.
Quote #6
"There's already grandeur, and true audacity, in daring to love someone so far beneath me in social standing." (2.11.17)
Mathilde feels like a bit of a romantic heroine for loving someone like Julien, who is so far beneath her in social status. Of course, this just makes her feel all giddy and happy. One of the worst feelings in Mathilde's life is boredom, and having a relationship with a peasant is anything but boring.