Good vs. Evil Quotes in 'Salem's Lot

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

Nothing too nasty could happen in such a nice little town. Not there. (2.150)

This is doubly ironic. First, something nasty is totally going to happen. And second, that nastiness happens because the town isn't nice at all, what with all the adultery and meanness and, you know, Satanic rituals (in Marsten's day at least).

Quote #2

"O my father, favor me now. Lord of Flies, favor me now. Now I bring you spoiled meat and reeking flesh. I have made sacrifice for your favor. With my left hand I bring it. Make a sign for me on this ground, consecrated in your name. I wait for a sign to begin your work." (3.431)

This sounds like an ancient evil ritual, but it's really just some spooky stuff King made up. The Lord of Flies is Satan, of course, so the suggestion is that Barlow and Straker are minions of the devil.

Quote #3

He wanted to see EVIL with its cerements of deception cast aside, with every feature of its visage clear. He wanted to slug it out toe to toe with EVIL… He wanted the struggle to be pure, unhindered by the politics that rode the back of every social issue like a deformed Siamese twin… Heaven was a dim attraction compared to that of fighting—and perhaps perishing—in the service of the Lord. (6.299)

This is Father Callahan, wishing for serious Evil to fight, rather than all the little evils like poverty and lust and Mrs. McDougall beating her baby. This wish to be a hero battling evil seems like pride, and therefore it's kind of evil, too—though it's not exactly clear if the novel sees it that way. (After all, the novel thinks fighting big Evil is fun too.)