"Pygmalion formed an ivory maid, and longed for an informing soul. She, on the contrary, combined all the qualities of a hero's mind, and fate presented a statue in which she might enshrine them."
Maria compares her fate to that of the man falling in love with his own statue. Unable to love her husband, Maria imagines the kind of man she could love and projects this persona onto a statue of her own. Although she is imaginging, she does so consciously and deliberately.
"A magic lamp now seemed to be suspended in Maria's prison, and fairy landscapes flitted round the gloomy walls, late so blank. Rushing from the depth of despair, on the seraph wing of hope, she found herself happy. -- She was beloved, and every emotion was rapturous."
For the first time, Maria experiences affection from somebody in the form of Darnford. He treasures her, although he has never been able to meet in her person. With his support, Maria becomes awakened to this new sense of hope. Her confinement suddenly feels a blessing instead of a punishment.
"She was ashamed at feeling disappointed; and began to reflect, as an excuse to herself, on the little objects which attract attention when there is nothing to divert the mind; and how difficult it was for women to avoid growing romantic, who have no active duties or pursuits."
Maria feels shame for her disappointed at rejection because she has been taught that she is invaluable. She should expect rejection, but internally she understands that this is a lie. Not being allowed to pursue a life of her own choosing, she is doubly plagued by these negative emotions. She must intentionally distract herself as best she can because, again, the expectation is that she remain a cheerful disposition.
"Maria was not permitted to walk in the garden; but sometimes, from her window, she turned her eyes from the gloomy walls, in which she pined life away, on the poor wretches who strayed along the walks, and contemplated the most terrific of ruins -- that of a human soul."
Maria's life is largely contained within her mind because her freedoms are severely limited. She has an active mind, however, and enjoys entertaining theories about the people around her. She imagines what sorts of fascinating lives they've lived or what heartbreaks they've endured. In a sense, this is her way of maintaining sanity in such a frustrating environment.
