It had been a revelation to Elizabeth that there were men who valued intelligence in a woman.
-- Narrator (Book 1, Chapter 1 paragraph 2)

Importance: The quote speaks to how progress is being made - and in some cases not - by placing emphasis on the mind of the woman versus her appearance or subservient roles in society.

It is some centuries since we accepted that a woman has a soul. Is it not time that we accepted that she also has a mind?
-- Henry Alveston (Book 3, Chapter 4 paragraph 37)

Importance: The quote shows Alveston as a modern man who is willing to adapt to changes in social perceptions of women.

Since guilt is more commonly felt by the innocent than by the culpable, the atmosphere was less of expectation than anxiety.
-- Narrator (Book 3, Chapter 6 paragraph 4)

Importance: Understanding how people react in the face of stressful situations reveals a lot about their character. It also assists in establishing reasonable doubt for Wickham's guilt.

Hardcastle clearly felt that he was encroaching...
-- Narrator (Book 3, Chapter 6 paragraph 7)