How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
On the point of conceding that Chad had improved in appearance, but that to the question of appearance the remark must be confined, he checked even that compromise and left his reservation bare. (4.1.3)
When Strether first encounters Chad in a Paris theatre, his first impression is that Chad has significantly improved in his appearance. But Strether is so determined to think that Paris has ruined Chad, he even tries to deny what he can see with his own eyes. At this point in the novel, Mrs. Newsome's prejudice still has a stranglehold on his imagination.
Quote #5
'Everything, every one shows,' Miss Barrace went on.
'But for what they really are?' Strether asked.
'Oh I like your Boston "reallys"! But sometimes—yes.' (5.1.67-69)
Miss Barrace insists that in Paris everyone "shows" everything—in other words, is an open book to those around them, or at least, tries to look like they are. Strether, though, is more interested in knowing truth from fiction, so he asks whether Paris people show their true selves or just their phony social faces. Barrace laughs at the distinction. After all, what's the difference between a real appearance and a fake one, as long as we like what we see?
Quote #6
She stood there quite pink, a little frightened, prettier and prettier but not a bit like her mother. (5.2.21)
Strether is impressed with the beauty of Jeanne de Vionnet. But he still thinks that the young woman is somehow lacking some essential ingredient that makes her mother even more beautiful. It's probably because Strether admires Madame's personality as much as her physical appearance, while Jeanne still strikes him as a frightened little girl.