How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph). We used Constance Garnett's translation.
Quote #4
Spite, of course, might overcome everything, all my doubts, and so might serve quite successfully in place of a primary cause, precisely because it is not a cause. But what is to be done if I have not even spite (I began with that just now, you know). (1.5.1)
Ah. Spite, apparently, would count as a primary cause, not as an emotion or action that requires a primary cause. Is it just us, or does this whole system seem irrational and arbitrary?
Quote #5
I would rather my hand were withered off than bring one brick to such a building! […] Perhaps the thing I resented was, that of all your edifices there has not been one at which one could not put out one's tongue. On the contrary, I would let my tongue be cut off out of gratitude if things could be so arranged that I should lose all desire to put it out. (1.10.4)
The Underground Man perhaps seems most human to us at this moment, when he wishes that he didn't want to just mock everything.
Quote #6
It is clear to me now that, owing to my unbounded vanity and to the high standard I set for myself, I often looked at myself with furious discontent, which verged on loathing, and so I inwardly attributed the same feeling to everyone. I hated my face, for instance. (2.1.1)
The Underground Man attributes his spite to "surface" matters – in this case, his face – but its causes actually run much deeper.