How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Thus she was a girl of some forwardness of mind, indeed, weighed in relation to her situation among the very rearward of thinkers, very original. Her instincts toward social nonconformity were at the root of this. (1.7.18)
The contrast between Eustacia's "forwardness" of mind and her place with the "rearward" of thinkers is notable. But there's one phrase that's crucial here: "in relation to." Eustacia is essentially only very "original" when compared to the podunk people of Egdon. Hardy has a tendency to build things up only to knock them down throughout the novel, and this is a great example of that.
Quote #5
Hand and person she then withdrew to a distance of several feet, and recovered some of her old dignity. The contract completed, she raised between them a barrier impenetrable as a wall. (2.4.85)
This imagery is very strong and unites ideas of distance (physical and emotional) with dignity and pride. Pride too is likened to a "wall" here.
Quote #6
"I have not injured her: he was mine before he was hers! He came back – because – because he liked me best!" she said wildly. "But I lose all self-respect in talking to you. What am I giving way to!" (1.10.46)
This might be one of the most arrogant speeches Eustacia delivers, which is really saying something. Her diction especially reveals the extent of her pride – she uses possessive terms like "mine" and discusses her "self-respect." But we find it interesting that her tone is borderline hysterical – she speaks "wildly," and with exclamation points, and repeats herself, like she's too upset to say things clearly.