How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"I did not sign the document in my own hand, as the law states," Violet said.
"What do you mean? We all saw you!" Count Olaf's eyebrow was beginning to rise in anger.
"I'm afraid your husband is right, dear," Justice Strauss said sadly. "There's no use denying it. There are too many witnesses."
"Like most people," Violet said, "I am right-handed. But I signed the document with my left hand." (13.27-30)
Thank goodness someone is sensible. Violet manages to manipulate the law for her own means—she literally takes a few words from a law book and makes her entire case turn on them. This isn't unlike what many lawyers do every day.
Quote #8
Unless you are a lawyer, it will probably strike you as odd that Count Olaf's plan was defeated by Violet signing with her left hand instead of her right. But the law is an odd thing. For instance, one country in Europe has a law that requires all its bakers to sell bread at the exact same price. A certain island has a law that forbids anyone from removing its fruit. And a town not too far from where you live has a law that bars me from coming within five miles of its borders. Had Violet signed the marriage contract with her right hand, the law would have made her a miserable contessa, but because she signed it with her left, she remained, to her relief, a miserable orphan. (13.38)
The law is a strange thing in this book and in real life. The author is clearly trying to point out a bit of absurdity here: Adults make these laws and then force children to live by them without any way of changing them.
Quote #9
"That may be so," Mr. Poe said, "and I thank Justice Strauss for her generosity, but your parents' will is very specific. You must be adopted by a relative. Tonight you will stay with me in my home, and tomorrow I shall go to the bank and figure out what to do with you. I'm sorry, but that is the way it is." (13.72)
Seriously, Mr. Poe? Is following the letter of the law more important than providing the Baudelaire children with a safe and secure home? What about doing things in the best interest of the children? Sigh.