How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Section.Paragraph)
Quote #1
After vacation, in late January, he found that whisky relieved him from the frenzy of work, from the terror of loneliness—then betrayed him and left him the more weary, the more lonely. (8.3.7)
Martin often turns to alcohol in order to help soothe the pain of his dissatisfaction. His pain seems to be a combination of loneliness, insecurity, and the overall feeling that he hasn't accomplished as much as he should have. That probably sounds familiar to many of us.
Quote #2
In the presence of a Napoleon like Clif and a Gladstone like George F. Babbitt, Martin perceived his own lack of power and business skill, and when he had returned to Mohalis he was restless. (9.1.15)
Martin usually feels okay about his choice to dedicate his life to science. But when he hangs out with wheelers and dealers who have all kinds of money to throw around, he begins to wonder whether he's taken the right path in life.
Quote #3
"Oh, he's awfully optimistic—he puts things over—he—Oh, Leora, am I going to be a sour, cranky, unpopular, rotten failure again?" (19.2.31)
After failing at his first job as a doctor, Martin worries that it's his destiny to always be a bitter crank who can't take pleasure in anything. In times like these, he looks to Leora for reassurance.