Philosopher
Cather writes, “Like most philosophers, he (apothecary) was not averse to discourse, but here much of the talk was gossip and very trivial.” Equating the apothecary to philosophers portrays his philosophical nature which enables him to listen to the people who stop by his shop. Accordingly, the apothecary displays philosophical acumen by accommodating all.
Savages
Madame Auclair tells Cecile, “You will see that your father's whole happiness depends on order and regularity, and you will come to feel a pride in it. Without order our lives would be disgusting, like those of the poor savages. At home, in France, we have learned to do all these things in the best way, and we are conscientious, and that is why we are called the most civilized people in Europe and other nations envy us." Madame Auclair insinuates that the French are superior to the savages owing to their (French) meticulousness. She expects her daughter to perpetuate the orderliness after her demise so that her husband will be utterly content after her demise.
