How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
The sudden change of the situation was bewildering. A few minutes before she was looking along an inescapable path of repulsive monotony, with hopeless inward rebellion against the imperious lot which left her no choice: and lo, now, a moment of choice was come. Yet—was it triumph she felt most or terror? Impossible for Gwendolen not to feel some triumph in a tribute to her power at a time when she was first tasting the bitterness of insignificance: again she seemed to be getting a sort of empire over her own life. But how to use it? Here came the terror. (26.22)
So, after Gwendolen has been really sassy and mean to Grandcourt, he still wants to marry her. On one hand, she should feel like totally hot stuff. On the other hand, it seems like she is a pawn in his game. Even though she has the power to choose, it seems like Grandcourt is doing the choosing for her.
Quote #8
"Your father was different. Unlike me—all lovingness and affection. I knew I could rule him; and I made him secretly promise me, before I married him, that he would put no hindrance in the way of my being an artist." (51.40)
Daniel's mother's attitude towards her marriage sounds creepily like Gwendolen's, doesn't it? Both of them have sought power in marriage; the catch is, only one of them actually got it.
Quote #9
In taking his wife with him on a yachting expedition, Grandcourt had no intention to get rid of her; on the contrary, he wanted to feel more securely that she was his to do as she liked with, and to make her feel it also. (54.2)
Grandcourt makes Gwendolen go yachting with him so he can show her what's what. Bad move, Grandcourt…