We have changed our privacy policy. In addition, we use cookies on our website for various purposes. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn about our practices by reading our privacy policy.

Blood Meridian Alcohol and Drugs Quotes

How we cite our quotes:

Quote #1

"There is no such joy in the tavern as upon the road thereto" (3.193).

An old Mennonite makes a clever observation when he says that a tavern can never live up to what people expect of it. It's not drinking that's pleasurable, he says, but the anticipation of drinking. In other words, alcohol can never provide what people are looking for, which is fulfillment and peace of mind.

Quote #2

"I think she'd have you beware the demon rum. Prudent counsel, don't you think?" (7.122).

A fortune teller tells John Jackson to be careful of rum. And guess what? Dude ends up getting shot with an arrow while he's drunk.

Quote #3

"Toadvine doled the coppers onto the bar and drained his cup and paid again. He gestured at the cups all three with a wag of his finger" (8.17).

Toadvine and his buddies don't know the meaning of rest. For them, the only thing they want to do when they're not fighting or murdering people is to drink.