How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #7
[…] before long it became evident that he had involved himself with Salzman without a true knowledge of his own intent. He gradually realized—with an emptiness that seized him with six hands—that he had called in the broker to find him a bride because he was incapable of doing it himself… Her probing questions had somehow irritated him into revealing—to himself more than her—the true nature of his relationship to God, and from that it had come upon him, with shocking force, that apart from his parents, he had never loved anyone. Or perhaps it went the other way, that he did not love God so well as he might, because he had not loved man. It seemed to Leo that his whole life stood starkly revealed and he saw himself for the first time as he truly was—unloved and loveless. This bitter but somehow not fully unexpected revelation brought him to a point to panic, controlled only by extraordinary effort. He covered his face with his hands and cried. (114)
There is a reason why Yeshivas are places of learning that emphasize discussion. Leo's discussion with the teacher stirs inside him the realization of his own delusions.
Quote #8
"You told her things about me that weren't true. You made out to be more, consequently less than I am. She had in mind a totally different person, a sort of semi-mystical Wonder Rabbi." (126)
Leo is rightly distressed by the idea of having to live up to the imaginary person that Salzman crafted.
Quote #9
Salzman sighed. "This is my weakness that I have," he confessed. "My wife says to me I shouldn't be a salesman, but when I have two fine people that they would be wonderful to be married, I am so happy that I talk too much." He smiled wanly. "This is why Salzman is a poor man." (129)
The deceit here is fascinating. Read the sentence again. Salzman has little concern for the plight of the couple; he is merely trying to sell marriage the same way one might sell a refrigerator. He genuinely believes in it, but he can't trust himself enough to just be honest.