The Adventures of Augie March Criminality Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

There I went to the can first, and from the window saw a state trooper by the pump, examining the car, and no sign of Gorman […] There was almost a disaster before he recognized me, for he has a pistol in his hand—the gun Einhorn had warned me he carried. (9.58)

Einhorn had warned Augie that his involvement with criminals would get out of hand. He was right about Gorman. He's no mere thief; he's willing to murder. Augie's book-smart, as they say, but he's not too bright when it comes to picking his acquaintances. Kind of like Caesar, and we all know how that turned out.

Quote #8

Each of us, I suppose, was thinking in his own fashion that we didn't make a pair—I of the vanity of being so leaping dangerous, and he, despisingly, that I must have s*** in my blood, or such poolroom contempt. (9.66)

At least Augie can see that he doesn't belong with Gorman. That's not much, but it's a start. Note also that Augie's given us a glimpse into poolroom culture. Do you think Augie would have been so readily involved in criminal activity if he hadn't surrounded himself with criminals at the poolroom? That's like being a seal in a pool of sharks—you're just asking for trouble.

Quote #9

Probably Gorman hadn't even bothered to change the license plates of the car...His idea of outlawry wasn't any idea of mine. (9.78)

Does Gorman want to get caught? Augie says that he's a bright guy, but he doesn't seem too keen on avoiding the authorities. Even the naïve would-be criminal William H. Macy in the movie Fargo knew to replace the license plates!