How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #4
All this—the noise, talk, and throng of people—was rather wonderful to Akaky Akakievich. He simply did not know where he stood, or where to put his hands, his feet, and his whole body. (74)
Akaky's coat is his golden ticket into social life. He finally gets to be part of a party, but even then he's still not quite integrated into the social circle because he's so awkward.
Quote #5
Instead of directing his attention to the principal points of the matter, he began to question Akaky Akakievich. Why did he return so late? Was he in the habit of going, or had he been, to any disorderly house? So that Akaky Akakievich got thoroughly confused, and left him without knowing whether the affair of his overcoat was in proper train, or not. (84)
Even though Akaky has gone to the superintendent for help after being robbed, the superintendent treats Akaky with suspicion instead of actually investigating the crime. What does he assume about Akaky? What does that tell you about how effective the Russian bureaucracy was at this point in time?
Quote #6
The news of the robbery of the coat touched many; although there were officials present who never omitted an opportunity, even the present, to ridicule Akaky Akakievich. They decided to take up a collection for him on the spot, but it turned out a mere trifle; for the officials had already spent a great deal in subscribing for the director's portrait, and for some book, at the suggestion of the head of that division, who was a friend of the author: and so the sum was trifling. (85)
Notice that without the coat, Akaky's life at the office is back to business as usual. They ignore him, make fun of him, and don't do anything to help him.