Benito Cereno Power Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Page.Paragraph)

Quote #4

No sword drawn before James the First of England, no assassination in that timid king's presence, could have produced a more terrified aspect than was now presented by Don Benito. (75.226)

Sounds like lots of powerful men quaked in fear of death. James the First was known to be a particularly shy guy.

Quote #5

On their way thither, the two captains were preceded by the mulatto, who turning round as he advanced, with continual smiles and bows, ushered them on […] (78.241)

Delano seems totally disarmed by all the smiling and bowing. Little does he know that he's just a sucker for people treating him like a powerful man.

Quote #6

Good fellows, thought Captain Delano, a little training would make fine sailors of them. (81.272)

Since Delano is so accustomed to power, he just assumes that people without it lack practical knowledge. That's a dangerous (and wrong) assumption to make.