How we cite our quotes: (Act.Line)
Quote #1
LADY BRITOMART [squaring herself at him rather aggressively]: Stephen: may I ask how soon you intend to realize that you are a grown-up man, and that I am only a woman?
STEPHEN [amazed]: Only a—
LADY BRITOMART: Don't repeat my words, please; it is a most aggravating habit. You must learn to face life seriously, Stephen. I really cannot bear the whole burden of our family affairs any longer. You must advise me: you must assume the responsibility. (1.15-17)
Lady Brit is simultaneously expecting Stephen to step up and act like a man, yet lectures him like a child. The notion that she thinks of herself as "only a woman" is pretty ridiculous, given that she's one of the most forceful and intimidating characters in the play. It may not be straight-up hypocrisy, but she definitely is contradicting her supposed belief that Stephen should be in charge. . . and not admitting that she's put her son in an impossible situation.
Quote #2
Oh, Adolphus Cusins will make a very good husband. After all, nobody can say a word against Greek: it stamps a man at once as an educated gentleman. And my family, thank Heaven, is not a pig-headed Tory one. We are Whigs, and believe in liberty. Let snobbish people say what they please: Barbara shall marry, not the man they like, but the man I like. (1.33)
Lady B is pretending to be the champion of liberty . . . as long as it agrees with what she wants. Again, this isn't exactly the worst kind of hypocrisy, but she's definitely saying one thing and doing something else.
Quote #3
STEPHEN: Mother: you have no consideration for me? For Heaven's sake either treat me as a child, as you always do, and tell me nothing at all; or tell me everything and let me take it as best I can.
LADY BRITOMART: Treat you as a child! What do you mean? It is most unkind and ungrateful of you to say such a thing. You know I have never treated any of you as children. I have always made you my companions and friends, and allowed you perfect freedom to do and say whatever you liked, so long as you liked what I could approve of. (1.54-55)
Lady Brit is once again not being particularly self-aware, claiming that she never treats her children like children and has always seen them as adults—as long as she agreed with their choices. Which isn't exactly treating them like adults.