How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Whatever aureole of choking nonsense surrounded this view of Bertrand's, Dixon thought the view itself worthy of some respect, or at least of some surprise. What a temptation it must be to produce proofs of one's status as an artist, to flatter people […]. (14.68)
Christine's just told Jim that Bertrand hasn't shown her his paintings because he doesn't want her to think of him as a painter until he can really see himself as one. As much as he dislikes Bertrand, he gives him some grudging respect for not showing off to Christine for once. As we know by now, lack of pretense is the thing that Jim respects most.
Quote #5
One large group was made up of local worthies: a couple of aldermen with their wives, a fashionable clergyman, a knighted physician, all of whom were members of the College Council. (21.16)
Amis gives us a quick survey of the people around town who are "respectable" types and lets us see the subtle sarcasm behind the word "worthies."
Quote #6
"I've evaded your Principal so many times recently that I felt I had to come to this."
"I can't see why you bother, you know. You're not dependent on the Principal. You're only letting yourself in for a lot of boredom." (21.31)
Jim has no clue why Mr. Gore-Urquhart would go out of his way to please the Principal of the university. For Jim, there's no reason to do something nice for a boring person unless that person holds some sort of power over you. Evidently, even someone as important as Uncle Julius fees compelled to show some scrap of respect for the Principal.