How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #7
"Why, he asks," Salzman said, bursting into tears. "This is my baby, my Stella, she should burn in hell." (188)
Leo isn't the only one grappling with love; Salzman loves people too. Okay, he's got a weird way of showing it, but the line here stems from heartbreak rather than real hate. He loves his daughter and wants what's best for her, even though she broke his heart. The question becomes whether he really doesn't want Leo to find her, or if he does want Leo to find her and is just putting on a show.
Quote #8
Through days of torment he endlessly struggled not to love her; fearing success, he escaped it. (189)
Nothing in "The Magic Barrel" is guaranteed, even love. The characters have to work for what they want, and in this case, the realization proves a valuable bit of wisdom for Leo to understand. It might not be the whole distance he needs to travel, but it's good enough… especially considering where he started
Quote #9
He pictured, in her, his own redemption. Violins and lit candles revolved in the sky. (201)
In the end, romance triumphs: for at least a few fleeting moments and maybe much longer, though we'll never know for sure. (Thanks, ambiguous ending.) In any case, if love can't prevail forever, then at least the hope of love can.