Principles Quotes in Major Pettigrew's Last Stand

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

"What I meant to say, Mrs. Green, is that while last year's them was most creative […] not all the guests carried on in the decorous manner that I'm sure you had counted upon." (6.48. 6.50)

This is a biting insult from the Major to the party-planning committee. Do they really "count upon" the dance being "decorous"? It seems they're actually planning parties that make people go wild, just so they can have something to gossip about. It's like high school never ends.

Quote #5

He was very touched by his lordship's words and by the always respectful use of the Major's rank. His lordship could so easily have called him Pettigrew, and yet he never did. In return, the Major never referred to him in the familiar, even behind his back. (6.98)

Principles aren't just for the working class, like Abdul Wahid, or the middle class, like the Major. Lord Dagenham is also respectful—but only when it comes to English tradition and matters of title. He has no principles when it comes to selling his land to an American developer.

Quote #6

"I have already asked Mrs. Ali to attend as my guest," [the Major] said. (11.151)

The Major is a consummate gentleman. He invites Mrs. Ali to the dance, both to protect her from further discrimination and because he really wants to.