How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"And you held back," said Florian. "I saw you. Beware, youngster. Next time, don't hesitate. It may cost your life."
"But you," said Theo. "You didn't hesitate. You shot him without having to think."
"Some things are best not thought about." (19.26-28)
Theo vacillated when trying to save Justin's life—he didn't shoot the enemy—and he was lucky Florian stepped in to do his dirty work. What does this mean for Florian? Is he a bad guy because he killed without having to think about it? Theo doesn't think so… but what do you think?
Quote #8
"Even if the cause is good," said Theo, "what does it do to the people who stand against it? And the people who follow it?"
"Next time you see Jellinek," said Florian, "ask him if he's ever found a way to make an omelet without breaking eggs."
"Yes," Theo said. "Yes, but men aren't eggs." (19.39-41)
Is freedom worth it if your friends and other people are at risk? Florian thinks you have to hurt some people for the greater good, but people aren't that disposable… or are they, for some individuals? Who's right and who's wrong? Hard to tell.
Quote #9
"You're asking for money?" Theo rounded on Las Bombas. "You want to be paid for something you'd have done anyway? You ought to be ashamed."
"I am," replied the count. "On the other hand, I'm even more ashamed of being penniless." (26.35-36)
Las Bombas never changes. He puts personal gain ahead of morality—at least, most of the time. He asks the king for a reward, even though he intended to fool the monarch, but at least he's honest about his reasons for doing so. A partial victory, perhaps?