How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Count Olaf reached out one of his spidery hands and stroked Violet on the chin, looking deep into her eyes. "You will," he said, "participate in this theatrical performance. I would prefer it if you would participate voluntarily, but as I believe Mr. Poe explained to you, I can order you to participate and you must obey." (6.30)
Count Olaf knows that the Baudelaires are his wards, and as such, he can treat them however he wants. There really is no justice for kids, is there?
Quote #8
She remembered something her parents had said to her when Klaus was born, and again when they brought Sunny home from the hospital. "You are the eldest Baudelaire child," they had said, kindly but firmly. "And as the eldest, it will always be your responsibility to look after your younger siblings. Promise us that you will always watch out for them and make sure they don't get into trouble." (10.6)
Violet may still be a child, but she is the oldest of her siblings, and she understands her responsibility to her family. Wow, that's more than any of the adults in this story manage to muster…
Quote #9
"You may not be my wife," he said, "but you are still my daughter, and—"
"Do you honestly think," Mr. Poe said in an exasperated voice, "that I will allow you to continue to care for these three children, after the treachery I have seen here tonight?"
"The orphans are mine," Count Olaf insisted, "and with me they shall stay. There is nothing illegal about trying to marry someone."
"But there is something illegal about dangling an infant out of a tower window," Justice Strauss said indignantly. "You, Count Olaf, will go to jail, and the three children will live with me." (13.44-47)
Finally—someone comes to their senses. We get the feeling that if Count Olaf hadn't tried to murder Sunny, Mr. Poe would have led the children head right back into his house. The adults in this story are ridiculous.