Find the perfect quote to float your boat. Shmoop breaks down key quotations from The Purloined Letter.
Cunning and Cleverness Quotes
"Why, yes; and not exactly that either. The fact is, we have all been a good deal puzzled because the affair is so simple, and yet baffles us altogether." (9)
Lies and Deceit Quotes
"I will tell you in a few words; but, before I begin, let me caution you that this is an affair demanding the greatest secrecy, and that I should most probably lose the position I now hold were it...
Versions of Reality Quotes
"That is another of your odd notions," said the Prefect, who had a fashion of calling everything "odd" that was beyond his comprehension, and thus lived amid an absolute legion of "oddities." (4)
Power Quotes
"It is this possession, and not any employment of the letter, which bestows the power. With the employment the power departs." (33)
Rules and Order Quotes
The door of our apartment was thrown open and admitted our old acquaintance, Monsieur G—, the Prefect of the Parisian police. (1)