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.
Quote #4
"A scoundrel is no more clever than an honest man; he only works harder at it. He has not won all the stakes." (9.35)
This quotable comes from Dr. Torrens as he's about to leave the palace after Cabbarus convinces the king to banish him. Queen Caroline says Cabbarus has won the day, but Torrens is going to keep battling for the health of king and kingdom. Cabbarus might be a liar and a bad guy, but he hasn't triumphed over King Augustine just yet. Torrens defines morality in rigid terms, but encourages the queen to keep fighting for "good."
Quote #5
"No matter how you add it up," muttered Theo, "it still comes to a fraud." "Indeed it does, my boy," Las Bombas happily answered. "The best I've struck on. Credit where it's due, I have you to thank. You thought of it, you put me onto it. A brilliant notion, and it's all yours." Theo said nothing in reply. He was ashamed of himself, appalled that his scheme had worked so well. He also had to admit that he was not entirely displeased. (11.7-9)
Theo says that the Oracle Priestess scheme was all sorts of dishonest… but he was the one who suggested it. Hypocritical much? Theo's now conflicted about his very morals. What does he feel? What should he feel? He's proud that his idea worked, but he can't blame Las Bombas for being a fraud when it was his baby to begin with.
Quote #6
Convinced that he had acted honorably, he was proud of his strength of will. He also caught a cold. He limped into Freyborg around midday, bursting with lofty sentiments and a stopped-up nose. (12.5-6)
Being right isn't always all it's cracked up to be. Theo left his only real friends behind to do the right thing, but now he's alone, cold, hungry, lonely, and sick. All he's got for comfort are his principles, which don't exactly keep him warm at night.
Quote #7
"And you held back," said Florian. "I saw you. Beware, youngster. Next time, don't hesitate. It may cost your life."
"But you," said Theo. "You didn't hesitate. You shot him without having to think."
"Some things are best not thought about." (19.26-28)
Theo vacillated when trying to save Justin's life—he didn't shoot the enemy—and he was lucky Florian stepped in to do his dirty work. What does this mean for Florian? Is he a bad guy because he killed without having to think about it? Theo doesn't think so… but what do you think?
Quote #8
"Even if the cause is good," said Theo, "what does it do to the people who stand against it? And the people who follow it?"
"Next time you see Jellinek," said Florian, "ask him if he's ever found a way to make an omelet without breaking eggs."
"Yes," Theo said. "Yes, but men aren't eggs." (19.39-41)
Is freedom worth it if your friends and other people are at risk? Florian thinks you have to hurt some people for the greater good, but people aren't that disposable… or are they, for some individuals? Who's right and who's wrong? Hard to tell.
Quote #9
"You're asking for money?" Theo rounded on Las Bombas. "You want to be paid for something you'd have done anyway? You ought to be ashamed."
"I am," replied the count. "On the other hand, I'm even more ashamed of being penniless." (26.35-36)
Las Bombas never changes. He puts personal gain ahead of morality—at least, most of the time. He asks the king for a reward, even though he intended to fool the monarch, but at least he's honest about his reasons for doing so. A partial victory, perhaps?
Quote #10
"As for Torrens thinking merely to correct abuses—he is almost as innocent as you are. Abuse is in the very grain of the monarchy's power. And I can tell you one thing more. Men give up many things willingly: their fortunes, their loves, their dreams. Power, never. It must be taken. And you, youngster, will have to choose your side. Though I assure you the monarchy will be as unsparing with its enemies as I am, at least there is justice in my cause." (19.38)
Florian doesn't mind "breaking a few eggs" (read: being responsible for a few deaths) if he reaches his end goal. But do the ends—an idealized government—justify the means? Who's the right person to be the judge of that?