How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The wind blew from Faerie and the East, and Tristran Thorn suddenly found inside himself a certain amount of courage he had not suspected that he had possessed. (2.44)
Luckily for Tristran's attempts to flirt with Victoria, he gets a boost from the wind from Faerie. Is it because winds from Faerie are magical, or because Tristran's heritage comes from there? Either way, the wind emboldens him to ask Victoria if he can walk her home, which he probably wouldn't have done otherwise.
Quote #2
His coat was thin, and it was obvious he would not get his kiss, which he found puzzling. The manly heroes of the penny dreadfuls and shilling novels never had these problems getting kissed. (2.81)
In Tristran's fantasies, fed by reading material of dubious quality, he'd get Victoria to kiss him, as easy as can be. Unfortunately, though, that's not how things go. Tristran pictures himself as manly and brave, like the heroes he reads about, so what's the deal? Where's the broken link? Possibly it's that he's never actually done anything brave just yet.
Quote #3
Tristran shook his head. "I'm sure I can find a way […] If necessary, I'll fight my way past the guards." (2.114)
Now there's a courageous thought. But unfortunately, it's a bad plan. We don't think Tristran has much experience fighting, or any training or skills that would help him, so he'd likely just get pummeled. Still, it's the thought that counts, right?