How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue. We used Donald M. Allen's translation.
Quote #7
Old Man: "Our existence can come to an end in this apotheosis..." (523)
An apotheosis is a perfect ideal, a model of excellence. The Old Man is supremely confident that his message will save the world. So confident, in fact, that he feels his life is complete and that he die at peace with what he's accomplished.
Quote #8
Old Man: "...thanks be to heaven who has granted us such long and peaceful years...My life has been filled to overflowing. My mission is accomplished." (523)
At this point the Old Man thinks all his dreams have come true. It's interesting to hear him talk about how great his life has been when earlier he was saying just the opposite. It seems that when people think their dreams have come true, they forget all the bad stuff.
Quote #9
Stage Directions: "The Old Woman and Old Man at the same moment throw themselves out the windows, shouting 'Long Live the Emperor.'" (540)
The Old Man and Woman throw themselves into the waters below, thinking that the Orator has got the whole message thing under control. As we find out in just a moment, this trust was totally misplaced. Here's a question: why on earth would you kill yourself without making sure the thing you've worked for your entire life actually happened?