How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
For her daughter, [Mrs. Hurstwood] hoped better things. Through Jessica she might rise a little. Through George Jrs.'s possible success she might draw to herself the privilege of pointing proudly. (9.10)
We often hear the expression that people would like their kids to be more successful than they themselves have been. Usually, this seems like a nice selfless wish, but Mrs. Hurstwood's thoughts here expose that there may be a dark side to all this hoping that your little bundle of joy becomes the next Internet mogul.
Quote #5
It was an important thing to her to hear one so well-positioned and powerful speaking in this manner […] Here was this greatest mystery, the man of money and affairs sitting beside her, appealing to her. (13.46)
Carrie gets plenty of warning that having a high social status is no assurance of happiness, as this quotation from the scene in which (early) Hurstwood reveals how miserable he is indicates. Why does she still believe it will make her happy?
Quote #6
Then began one of those pointless social conversations so common in American resorts where the would-be gilded attempt to rub off gilt from those who have it in abundance. (27.42)
Hmm… If a part of becoming successful involves "rubbing off gilt" from other successful people through superficial chit chat, maybe hard work isn't the only prerequisite for success.