How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #1
In the department of… But it is better not to name the department. There is nothing more irritable than all kinds of departments, regiments, courts of justice and, in a word, every branch of public service. (1)
How would the story be different if the narrator named the specific department? Why do you think he feels this way about public service branches?
Quote #2
As for his rank—for with us the rank must be stated first of all—he was what is called a perpetual titular councilor, over which, as is well known, some writers make merry and crack their jokes, as they have the praiseworthy custom of attacking those who cannot bite back. (2)
Normally officials rise through the ranks, but Akaky is a perpetual titular councilor. Titular councilors and all the ranks below them are called the same thing, your nobleness. In order to be really special, Akaky would have to rise above his rank. Then he'd be called something like your high nobleness, or even Your Excellency.