How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
But she wanted to try being a mother. (9.2)
Augie seems to sense that being a mother would, for Mrs. Renling, be more of a transitional state than a permanent identity. Hmm. Sounds like him. Augie's almost the opposite of Yoda: for him, there is only try.
Quote #8
We had to empty our pockets; they were after knives and matches and such objects of harm. But for me that wasn't what it was for, but to have the bigger existence taking charge of your small things, and making you learn forfeits as a sign that you aren't any more your own man, in the street, with the contents of your pockets your own business: that was the purpose of it. (9.166)
It's relatively common in stories about oppressive societies that the hero maintains his or her unique sense of self by keeping secret and sacred what's in the heart. Augie doesn't follow this pattern. He feels that he's not his own man if the stuff in his pockets is taken from him and examined. Maybe Augie doesn't have enough things close to his heart. That would explain why he's so darn fickle.
Quote #9
"They want to put themselves in your thoughts and in your mind, and that you should care for them. It's a sickness. But they don't want you to care for them as they really are. No. That's the whole stunt." (14.41)
Thea believes that Augie gets carried away by people because he can't properly identify their real motives and desires. Or, if he does recognize them for what they are, he's more than willing to get involved in their schemes.