How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Archer disliked her use of the word "clever" almost as much as her use of the word "common"; but he was beginning to fear his tendency to dwell on the things he disliked in her. (20.49)
May is the voice of society in their marriage, reminding him what society thinks is acceptable and what society thinks is "vulgar." She's like a mental policewoman.
Quote #8
His whole future seemed suddenly to be unrolled before him; and passing down its endless emptiness he saw the dwindling figure of a man to whom nothing was ever to happen. (22.36)
Add this quote to the list of quotes where Archer views his future with hopelessness and despair. Don't be like Archer, kids.
Quote #9
"Catch my death!" he echoed; and he felt like adding: "But I've caught it already. I am dead —I've been dead for months and months." (30.21)
It's ironic that May worries about Newland catching his death of cold when she is partly, or even primarily, responsible for his figurative "death," in the sense that she has prevented Newland from pursuing his love for Madame Olenska.