How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Injustice made him angry, made him beg. But he wanted an understanding with his father, and he tried to capitulate to him. He said, "You can't compare Mother and Margaret, and neither can you and I be compared, because you, Dad, were a success. And a success—is a success. I never made a success." (3.66)
What does Wilhelm mean when he says that he never made a success? Is he speaking of fame? Fortune? Earning the respect of his peers?
Quote #5
The doctor's old face lost all of its composure and became hard and angry. His small breast rose sharply under the red and black shirt and he said, "Yes. Because of hard work. I was not self-indulgent, not lazy. My old man sold dry goods in Williamsburg. We were nothing, do you understand? I knew I couldn't afford to waste my chances." (3.67)
Dr. Adler respects his father for doing what it took to get by, and he makes good on his father's sacrifices by establishing a successful career. In his eyes, Wilhelm has failed to continue making something of the family name.
Quote #6
He believed that he must, that he could and would recover the good things, the happy things, the easy tranquil things of life. He had made mistakes, but he could overlook these. He had been a fool, but that could be forgiven. The time wasted—must be relinquished. What else could one do about it? Things were too complex, but they might be reduced to simplicity again. Recovery was possible. First he had to get out of the city. No, first he had to pull out his money. . . . (5.2)
Down to the last moment, Wilhelm fantasizes about starting over again. He's made it too hard to fix things: the best he can do is hope to wipe the slate clean.