Thérèse Raquin Lies and Deceit Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

Their arguments always finished liked that: they would protest their innocence and attempt to deceive themselves in order to drive away their bad dreams. (28. 44)

Thérèse and Laurent use their fights as a way to deceive themselves into thinking they are innocent. However, this self-delusion only propels them deeper into their waking (and sleeping) nightmares.

Quote #8

The strangest thing was that they were unable to deceive themselves with their protestations, because both of them recalled the precise circumstances of the murder. Even as their lips denied it, they could each read a confession in the other's eyes. Their lies were childish, their assertions ridiculous: disputes of empty words between two wretches who lied for the sake of lying, yet were unable to conceal the fact of their lying from each other. (28. 44)

As much as Thérèse and Laurent lie—to each other and themselves—deep down, they know the truth of what happened.

Quote #9

After a while, she came to believe in the reality of this play-acting. She imagined that she had received Mme Raquin's pardon and from then on talked to her only of her happiness at having her forgiveness. (29.9)

Thérèse deludes herself into thinking that Mme Raquin has forgiven her. Does this self-delusion suggest that Thérèse feels remorse for the murder? Maybe. She sure does seem to exhibit all of the stereotypical signs of a guilty-feeling person.