How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The frame had not slipped or twisted. It was not an accident. Never in his life had he raised a hand in anger. But in that moment, more than anything else in the world, he had wanted to kill the man.
Until then, he had believed in his own good nature. He pleaded that he was a kindly, honorable human being. But the bloodied face rose up in front of him. His stomach heaved. He doubled over, retching. He sat on the ground a while, head pressed against his knees. He swore every way he knew: Never again would he do such a deed. (3.47-48)
For the first time, Theo realizes that he might not be a purely good person—after all, what kind of good guy tries to kill somebody else? Theo's own actions call his ethics and essential nature into question, which is really uncomfortable for him.
Quote #2
For the rest, Theo expected, even hoped, the novelty of The Oracle Priestess would wear off. The Feldeners, instead, crowded the salon each night in growing numbers. Las Bombas crowed over the receipts. Theo's conscience smarted like a skinned knee.
He finally asked the count when they would move on.
Las Bombas blinked at him. "What an idea. We've barely skimmed the cream. In fact, I'm thinking of doubling the admission price."
"I'm thinking we should stop altogether," blurted Theo. "I've gone along this far, which I shouldn't have done. There must be something better than cheating people."
"Who's cheating anyone?" protested the count. "Harmless amusement. Do you think for a moment they believe one bit of it? Are they complaining? Set your mind at rest, my boy. Now, here's a thought for you. Suppose we put up refreshment tables in the hall. That would be a new attraction." (11.14-18)
What's bad and what's simple entertainment? Theo thinks that The Oracle Priestess show is a scam and is bad because it's fake—but Count Las Bombas, who's admittedly in the business for a profit, thinks that it's not so bad, and claims that no one really believes in Mickle's deception, so it's harmless fun. Is there one clear answer? Probably not...
Quote #3
"How can you do it?" Theo demanded, as soon as the last of the spectators had gone. "They were heartbroken, those two. It wasn't just foolishness for them. They took it seriously. We told them a pack of lies."
"My boy, they were quite satisfied," answered Las Bombas. "What do you want?"
"No more of it," said Theo, "that's what I want. Call it harmless amusement if you like. You're taking advantage of people who don't know any better. It's dishonest, it's contemptible." He rounded on Mickle. "You understand what I mean, don't you? You see what we're doing."
"I'm doing what you wanted," the girl retorted. "It was your idea in the first place, wasn't it?"
"No, you don't understand, either," burst out Theo. "Can't you even see what's right or wrong? Or don't you care? I shouldn't have expected any better from you." (11.26-30)
Theo gets all high and mighty sometimes. Just because Mickle and the gang trick some people—and give them some (false) hope—about their deceased daughter, Theo thinks they're all morally bankrupt. He even tells Mickle that she can't have morals, since she's never had anyone to show her, which is both not fair of him, and certainly not true. Theo's got to take a step down from his high horse—maybe he's accusing her because he's uncomfortable with what he's done.