The American Betrayal Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

"I want to bring them down—down, down, down! I want to turn the tables upon them—I want to mortify them as they have mortified me." (22.27)

Tell us how you really feel, Newman. Newman's a big believer in the eye-for-an-eye philosophy. Luckily, he comes to the conclusion that this kind of philosophy leaves the whole world blind…or rather, leaves him with a broken heart, his lady in a convent, and the Bellegarde matriarch still sitting pretty.

Quote #5

"If she has committed a crime, she will be nothing for the courts but a wicked old woman." (22.32)

Ouch. Betrayal has brought out a savage side of Newman. He doesn't much care for his would-be mother-in-the-law—and his sense of revenge is blinding enough that he thinks that the entire world will feel the same way.

Quote #6

"I have served faithfully this many year; but if she were to die to-morrow, I believe, before Heaven, I shouldn't shed a tear for her." (22.38)

Everyone has to justify betrayal somehow. Mrs. Bread's feelings about about Madame Bellegarde are surprisingly brutal. But who can blame her, when Mme. Bellegarde murdered her master and sold off her mistress?