How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
…the living spectacle [a ship] contains, upon its sudden and complete disclosure, has, in contrast with the blank ocean which zones it, something of the effect of enchantment. The ship seems unreal; these strange costumes, gestures, and faces, but a shadowy tableau just emerged from the deep, which directly must receive back what it gave. (3.15)
This is the first glimpse Delano gets of Benito Cereno's ship, and to him it seems unreal, like a stage set. This is deceptive—the ship is real. But it's also true, because everything on the ship he sees is false and staged for his benefit. This also creates a parallel between Babo, the deceiver, and the writer of the novella. The ship, after all, is not real; it comes out of the mists of the text, and goes back into them, summoned up by imagining. The writer is a liar, too.
Quote #2
..the black with one arm still encircled his master, at the same time keeping his eye fixed on his face, as if to watch for the first sign of complete restoration, or relapse, as the event might prove. (3.35)
Here's Babo, pretending to be the servant, but all the time in control. He's not searching for a sign of a relapse, but for a sign of rebellion. Babo is supposed to be the villain, but he's a very smart (and desperate) man.
Quote #3
"But throughout these calamities," huskily continued Don Benito, painfully turning in the half embrace of his servant, "I have to thank those negroes you see, who, though to your inexperienced eyes appearing unruly, have, indeed, conducted themselves with less of restlessness than even their owner could have thought possible under such circumstances." (3.42)
This is a lie; the black people are in fact unruly and restless—they've taken over the ship! But on the other hand, it's the truth. They're not unruly or restless; they're extremely disciplined, and certainly surprised their owner with their organization and determination. Don Benito is saying, "these aren't bad people"—which is supposed to be a lie, but is actually the truth. They're not unruly; they've acted as anyone would act who did not want to be a slave.