How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Often he used [good manners] and just as often he despised them because they were not a protest against how unpleasant selfishness was but against how unpleasant it looked (2.10.21).
As the passage indicates, Dick goes back and forth on the manners thing. He gets really irritated with Collis Clay when he talks to Dick without first "complimenting" Nicole. Here he seems to believe that so much of what passes for good manners is really just a cover for selfishness. That is, you can do something really selfish and get away with it if you are very polite about it. Dick should know – he can be really good at it.
Quote #2
He tried breaking into other dialogues, but it was like continually shaking hands with a glove from which the hand had been withdrawn (1.7.13).
This is poor Abe McKisco at the first Villa Diana party. He just can’t fit in. People will give him their glove or the appearance of interest, but it always lacks substance. They are not really with him.
Quote #3
"But what?" Kaethe demanded. "Do you think that sort of thing does the Clinic any good? The liquor I smelt on him tonight, and several other times since he’s been back." (3.1.32).
Appearances are pretty important when people are giving you lots of money to cure their minds, or the minds of family members. It turns out that Kaethe isn’t the only one who notices. Dick’s appearance as a drunk seems to lead to the final crumbling of his dream to seriously practice.