How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #1
No respect was shown him in the department. The janitor not only did not rise from his seat when he passed, but never even glanced at him, as if only a fly had flown through the reception-room. (6)
In the eyes of his coworkers Akaky is not even human. He's as insignificant as a fly.
Quote #2
Some unseen force repelled him from the comrades whose acquaintance he had made, on the supposition that they were well-bred and polite men. And long afterwards, in his gayest moments, there came to his mind the little official with the bald forehead, with the heart-rending words, "Leave me alone! Why do you insult me?" And in these penetrating words, other words resounded—"I am thy brother." (9)
This is one of the few moments in the story that the narrator basically gives us a moral lesson. Even though he's low ranking, Akaky is still a human who deserves love and respect.