How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Sophie still didn't like the painting. "She looks like she knows something … like when kids at school have a secret."
Her grandfather laughed. "That's part of why she is so famous. People like to guess why she is smiling."
"Do you know why she's smiling?"
"Maybe." Her grandfather winked. "Someday I'll tell you all about it."
Sophie stamped her foot. "I told you I don't like secrets!"
"Princess," he smiled. "Life is filled with secrets. You can't learn them all at once." (21.33-38)
Saunière was certainly a wise man, but why torture Sophie like that? Maybe she was ready for at least part of the truth about Mona Lisa's secret. Either way, he started grooming her at a very early age for a life of secrets, at what cost?
Quote #2
Her grandfather was silent a long moment, and Sophie could see he was uncertain how to answer.
Grand-père never lies.
"It opens a box," he finally said. "Where I keep many secrets."
Sophie pouted. "I hate secrets!"
"I know, but these are important secrets. And someday, you'll learn to appreciate them as much as I do." (23.41-43)
Unfortunately, Sophie is only able to truly understand and appreciate all of Saunière's secrets after his death, which tinges everything with a large helping of bittersweet regret.
Quote #3
High above Silas, in the balcony, Sister Sandrine stifled a gasp. Her darkest fears had just been confirmed. This visitor was not who he seemed. The mysterious Opus Dei monk had come to Saint-Sulpice for another purpose.
A secret purpose.
You are not the only one with secrets, she thought.
Sister Sandrine Bieil was more than the keeper of this church. She was a sentry. (24.9-12)
So many secrets, so little time. Is there anyone in the book that doesn't have some deep, dark secret?