How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
" […] It does us great discredit to treat a defeated foe like this. A complete break with the traditions of this country." (3.175)
These words indicate that Lord Darlington was initially motivated to become involved in politics not by any sympathy with Nazism, but by his very English sense of fairness toward the Germans following their defeat in World War I.
Quote #5
He opened by expressing his gratitude to all present that the discussions during the previous two days, "though at times exhilaratingly frank," had been conducted in a spirit of friendship and the desire to see good prevail. (3.342)
This toast expresses Lord Darlington's fondest hopes, but as the events of World War II will bear out, his dream of "friendship" is a hopeless delusion.
Quote #6
Rather, debates are conducted, and crucial decisions arrived at, in the privacy and calm of the great houses of this country. (4.5)
Should politics be conducted simply by the powerful, the "great" men who live in "great" houses? The novel certainly seems to take a critical attitude toward this form of governing.