How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
It was a path laid down by his superiors and he'd walked it, head held high. His country could have asked anything of him and he would've readily agreed. (2.3.6)
If you look up the word patriot in the dictionary, you'll find a picture of Leo Demidov's pretty mug. Unlike his peers at the MGB, Leo is driven by a sincere love for his country, rather than a lust for power. Ultimately, that's the only way he can rationalize the evil things he does every day.
Quote #2
Enemies of the Party were not merely saboteurs [...] but doubters of the Party line, doubters of the society which awaited them. (2.3.11)
All you have to do is think something negative about the government to be a traitor in the Soviet Union at this time. That's a pretty low bar; if we were playing limbo, it'd be game over. But what if this much-promised paradise never becomes a reality? How does anyone know it will?
Quote #3
Vasili had signaled his dedication by denouncing his only brother or making anti-Stalinist remarks [...] He'd been drunk at the time, celebrating his birthday. (2.5.38)
That's harsh, man. Saying something stupid is an integral part of drinking—just ask anyone who sends sappy texts to their ex after having too many pints. Don't think for a second that Vasili is doing this out of patriotic duty, however: he just knows that it will earn him a promotion.