How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
This fiscal period, I am flirting with Jane. Jane is new in the Art Department and not quite sure whether I mean it or not. She is just a few years out of college, where she majored in fine arts, and still finds things in the city daring, sophisticated, and intellectual. She goes to the movies a lot. She has not, I think slept with a married man yet. (2.27)
Slocum's extramarital affairs and flirtatious conquests are pretty much the routine for men in the company. Young girls like Jane fall prey to married men like Slocum, who make it something of a game to get with them. Everyone is looking for some way out of his or her humdrum life.
Quote #2
I used to like girls who were tall and heavy, slightly coarse, and maybe I still do, but I seem to be doing most of my sleeping these days with girls who are slim and pretty and mostly young. My wife is tall and slim and used to be very pretty when she was young. (2.31)
Slocum always mentions his wife when he talks about his flings with other women. He isn't his wife's biggest fan, yet he thinks about her even when he's having affairs. Does that mean he actually kind of loves her? Or is he just accustomed to her?
Quote #3
Unmarried men are not wanted in the Sales Department, not even widowers, for the company has learned from experience that it is difficult and dangerous for unmarried salesmen to mix socially with prominent executives and their wives or participate with them in responsible civic affairs (Too many of the wives of these prominent and very successful men are no more satisfied with their marital situation than are their husbands.) (2.37)
The company seems to have some implicit rules regarding marriage, and positions within the department seem to be determined by a man's marital status. Such rules are arbitrary, of course, but they make for an interesting workplace dynamic in which the line between professional life and personal life is blurred.