How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
But now that she had heard everything and understood everything, she was forced to remain motionless and silent. [...] She made superhuman efforts to lift the weight that was oppressing her, to unblock her throat [...]. But it was in vain that she struggled with the last of her energy: she felt her tongue cold against her palate [...]. She was held rigid by the powerlessness of a corpse. (26.17)
Mme Raquin is able to exert an extreme effort of willpower to reanimate her paralyzed hand (one of the few instances in the novel where Zola allows his character to have free will). However, before Mme Raquin is able to communicate her message, her hand stiffens again, highlighting the challenges inherent in any act of communication.
Quote #8
[Grivet] thought that the moment had come to retrieve his reputation for infallibility by completing Mme Raquin's unfinished sentence. While they were searching for the meaning of the words, he said: "It's quite clear. I can guess the whole sentence in Madame's eyes. She doesn't have to write it on the table for me; just one look will suffice. What she wanted to say was: 'Thérèse and Laurent are taking good care of me.'" (27. 33)
Grivet's misinterpretation of Mme Raquin's message marks the most supreme moment of irony in the novel. The great tragedy here is that due to Mme Raquin's inability to speak, she is unable to denounce the murderers and avenge her son's death.
Quote #9
She would have liked to reply; some things that her niece said brought crushing responses to her lips, but she had to remain silent, allowing Thérèse to plead her case without ever interrupting her. Her inability to cry out or to stop her ears filled her with inexpressible torment. (29. 6)
When Thérèse convinces herself that Mme Raquin has forgiven her, poor Mme Raquin is trapped in her silence and unable to speak her true feelings.