How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
I wonder if the time will ever come when I will begin, without recognizing I am doing it and without detecting the change, saying out loud the things I now say privately to myself or verbalize in contemplation and if I will therefore become psychotic or one of those men—more often than not they are women—who talk out loud to themselves on sidewalks and buses. (5.59)
Slocum worries often that he will lose self-control. He's afraid that his inner world and outer world will become one, and he will find himself disoriented in both. He also fears this may already be happening to him; his children tease that he talks to himself when he is actually rehearsing his convention speech that he never gives. Why would they make this assumption if he didn't already seem a little cray?
Quote #5
I am especially good on suicides and breakdowns. I can see them coming years in advance. Kagle is close to his breakdown now; his God won't save him, but maybe his boozing and whores will. (6.62)
Those especially susceptible to madness exhibit particular signs, and Kagle is not exempt from Slocum's categorization of him. Again, what about this lifestyle makes people so prone to nervous breakdowns and madness?
Quote #6
(A man's head is his castle.) I don't hear voices. (I sometimes wish I did.) I'm not crazy. I know people do talk about me behind closed doors but I don't imagine I hear what they are saying. (6.83)
Slocum believes his mind is a fortress built to protect him from the madness of the world surrounding him. He remains adamant that he is not crazy, but closed doors threaten to overturn this, as they are one of his greatest fears.