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All the King's Men Transformation Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

But then, who is the hell is this in the back seat of the big black Cadillac that comes ghosting through town? (1.315)

Jack is trying to figure out how the little boy Jack he remembers from the Burden's Landing street has turned into the present Jack. Remember, what Willie will soon ask him to do will transform all of their lives forever.

Quote #2

[Willie Stark:] "I'm not going to read you any speech. You know what you need better'n I could tell you. But I'm going to tell you a story." (2.140)

This is just a small moment from Willie's first good speech. Transformed by the potent combination of Jack's liquor and the cold hard truth, Willie changes into the Boss, and he can never go back. This passage also shows how a good story has the power to move us.

Quote #3

I lay on my back with my back, with my head in her lap, the way I had known I would do. (3.11)

This represents a major transformation in the way we look at Jack. We thought he was a tough guy, but his mother instantly transforms him into a child. Mrs. Murrell is a powerful force in Jack's life.