How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #7
The cuchillero [knife-wielding assassin] spoke no word. His movements were precise and without rancor. John Grady knew that he was hired. (2993)
The scene with the cuchillero provides a counterpoint to the violence in the novel motivated by passion or a sense justice: the cuchillero is a dispassionate and precise killer, caring nothing for John Grady or his situation—only the job itself.
Quote #8
I'm sorry I shant see you again. I've been at some pains to tell you about myself because among other reasons I think we should know who our enemies are. I've known people to spend their lives nursing a hatred of phantoms and they were not happy people.
I dont hate you.
You shall.
We'll see. (3431-4)
The hatred and desire for revenge mentioned here by Alfonsa is quite different from the violence and passion surrounding the death of Blevins: it is a much more slow-burning emotion built on broken relationships, and one which may take much longer to gestate than that created by violent acts. The novel never reveals whether this actually comes true.
Quote #9
I aint goin to kill you, he said. I'm not like you.
The captain didnt answer. (3762-3)
What is the morality implied by John's refusal to kill the captain here? How does this relate to his inner conflict over the deed? How does the blanket statement "I'm not like you" in this scene define the contrast between their characters?