How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
I thought about how stupid it is, that all of us are born destined to desire somebody else, though desire brings with it such disappointment and pain. Humankind's history must be scored bloody with heartbreak. This hankering for affection is a blight upon us. (17.49)
Gabriel pinpoints all the bad stuff about love, but maybe that's because he's never experienced the positive effects. Think about it: His parents never show him any affection, and he doesn't have any friends. So maybe he's not so much cynical as he is inexperienced.
Quote #8
"What don't you understand, Gabriel? Evangeline can only hurt you. Even if she doesn't mean to, she will. Do you know why? Because she doesn't love you. She does not love you. It's not the way you hoped it would be." (18.17)
Finnigan's a jerk, but he might have a point, so though he's the evil twin and we're prone to dismiss what he says and think ill of him, we also wonder if he's right. Does Evangeline love Gabriel? Does she even like him? Finnigan is Gabriel's psyche, so this might just be him convincing himself of something he already knows.
Quote #9
My illness comes from the time of chivalry and towers, of armor and sunken swords. It's a close relation to the fatally broken heart. Life is a skittish sprite—but it can be caught and tied down. It can be muzzled and deprived until its light begins to fade. (21.1)
So… is Gabriel dying of a broken heart? That's certainly the way he makes it sound here. Elsewhere, though, he makes sure to prove the point that he's killing off Finnigan. Perhaps it's both: Maybe Gabriel is heartbroken about his life and trying to be chivalrous to the rest of society at the same time.