How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Her triumph was gentle, and she really had tones to make justice weep. 'I've before me what he owes you.' (6.3.25)
Strether is supposed to resist liking Madame de Vionnet. But he can't help but feel gratitude toward her because of the amazing change she has brought about in Chad's personality. He also expresses his admiration directly when he tells her he knows how much Chad owes her. In fact, Strether even feels like he owes Madame something for the changes she's managed to bring about in him, too.
Quote #8
'On the contrary; she's pleased with it as with his capacity to do this kind of thing—more than she has been pleased with anything for a long time. But she wants him to show it there. He has no right to waste it on the likes of us.' (10.1.7)
At first, Strether doubts that Sarah Pocock has been as impressed as he has with Chad's personal transformation. But on the contrary, says little Bilham, Sarah admires Chad way too much to ever admit it. In fact, it's because she admires him so much that she wants to bring him back home to America. She feels that the small town of Woollett deserves to bask in his charm more than the people of Paris. Take that, Paree.
Quote #9
'You talk to me about "distinction"—you, you who've had your privilege?—when the most distinguished woman we shall either of us have seen in this world sits there insulted, in her loneliness, by your incredible comparison!' (10.3.20)
Sarah Pocock does not take it well when Strether compares Madame de Vionnet's charms to those of Mrs. Newsome. Unlike Strether, Sarah will never admit to the fact that Chad's life in Paris is lightyears better than life in Woollett. Plus, Sarah is dedicated to the idea that her mother is the most admirable person in the world and that anyone who disagrees is evil. So yeah, it's kind of tough to prove her wrong when she's determined not to be open-minded.