How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Somewhere back in her mind lurked the figure of Thomas Hudson, in shining mail. His example dictated my training as it had dictated my father's. (5.1.4)
Whenever Susan complains about Oliver, what she's really doing is comparing him in her mind to Thomas Hudson. But, would she really be happy with a dude like Thomas? We're skeptical. Either way, he provides an example that's impossible for Oliver to live up to.
Quote #8
Susan understood that her husband's name was to be mentioned and passed by, not dwelt upon; he was to be walked around like something repulsive on a sidewalk. (6.1.30)
While Thomas is Susan's ideal masculine role model, Augusta is her ideal feminine role model: she's the most ladylike lady who has ever ladied. Because she respects her friends so much, it crushes Susan that Augusta and Thomas don't seem to like Oliver very much. (We, however, can't help but wonder if Susan's concerns are all in her head.)
Quote #9
"When I was first at New Almaden the sight of a Chinese made me positively shudder, and yet I think we all love this smiling little ivory man." (7.3.82)
First, we have to call out Susan for being racist. But, the important part here is that she's able to get over these small-minded prejudices by becoming a friend to a Chinese immigrant. If only she could be so open-minded about issues of class.