How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"I hate to be thought men's property in that way—though possibly I shall be had some day." (4.39)
Bathsheba is somewhat of a feminist for her time. In the 1870s, it would've been very strange for a woman to run her own farm or to dislike the idea of marriage because she didn't want a man to own her. With all that said, she's not down to totally shock society. Even thought she's independent, she still cares a lot about what people think of her.
Quote #2
Love is a possible strength in an actual weakness. Marriage transforms a distraction into a support the power of which should be, and happily often is, in direct proportion to the degree of imbecility it supplants. (4.5)
It's stated in fancy words, but this passage basically tells us that the more flawed you are, the more you'll probably be improved by getting married. After all, what's better than always having a second person around to point out all of your faults?
Quote #3
"Well, what I mean is that I shouldn't mind being a bride at a wedding if I could be one without having a husband. But since a woman can't show off in that way by herself I shan't marry—at least yet." (4.54)
Bathsheba loves everything about weddings except the fact of getting married. If she could have a bunch of people gather round and celebrate her without her having to marry a man, then that's what she'd go for. For that reason, she plans on holding off on any wedding plans at least until she's older.