How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Private meetings among regular students were the sort of thing strictly frowned upon at the Institute, where all secrets were reserved for Messengers and Executives. (14.20)
One way that Mr. Curtain maintains his power and control at the Institute is by making sure that the students never have a chance to compare notes. No, we don't mean compare their class notes; those would all look exactly the same, right? Poison apples, poison worms, the free market must remain free, and all that malarkey.
We mean compare notes as in talk about the school, Mr. C, the Executives, the Messengers; we mean take a minute to commiserate, or maybe even to question. By forbidding the students to talk privately, he takes away any chance they have of organizing any opposition.
Quote #2
Because it was impossible, in the end, to protect yourself from anything—no matter how hard you tried—it was important to try as hard as you could to protect yourself from everything. There was some kind of truth hidden in there, Reynie thought, but it was camouflaged with nonsense. (13.8-9)
This is the "logical conclusion" of one of the lessons at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, and with each student that absorbs it, Mr. Curtain is one step closer to implementing his strategy of using fear to gain—and maintain—control. (Insert evil laughter here.) But what's the truth hidden in the lesson? And what takes this truth and turns it into nonsense?
Here's a hint: when you take a multiple-choice test, you should always be wary of answers that include the words never or always, because there are usually exceptions. Same's true here with the words "anything" and "everything"—they take a sentiment that's half-true and make it ridiculous.
Quote #3
"… keep them close," said Mr. Curtain, stroking his chin. […] "Yes, that is the best way to control the problem. And control is the key, my boy. Never forget that. Control is always the key." (18.34)
This is one of the times in the book when Mr. Curtain's obsession with control actually backfires on him. For one thing, the way he keeps saying it's the key is what clues Reynie in that it's his password. And for another, instead of just expelling Constance, which was his first instinct, he chooses to take Reynie's advice and keep her close, where he can keep an eye on her, and—let's say it together—control her. Ha—good luck with that.