How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
The dance had come like an irresistible attack upon whatever sense of social order there was in their minds, to drive them back into old paths which were now doubly irregular. (4.3.42)
The diction manages to cast a dance, a fun activity, as a battle or a warrior – the dance launches an "attack" and "drives" Eustacia and Damon into the past, like a Hot Tub Time Machine.
Quote #8
Eustacia stared up. This was a well-known signal in old times when Wildeve had used to come secretly wooing to Mistover. (4.4.9)
The idea of "signals" flaring up and reminding people of the past appears a lot in this book, usually in connection to fire. You can read more about Fire in the "Symbols, Imagery, Allegory" section. We also find the reference to "old times" pretty funny, given that, at this point in story, Eustacia had only broken up with Damon less than a year ago.
Quote #9
Nobody could have imagined from her bearing now that here stood the woman who had joined with him in the impassioned dance of the week before, unless indeed he could have penetrated below the surface and gauged the real depth of that still stream. (4.6.3)
The imagery used to describe Eustacia helps to set up a strong contrast between past and present and also demonstrates how quickly things can change – the dance was only a "week before" after all. We also like the comparison of Eustacia to water – she's usually linked to night so this comparison stands out.