How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Paragraph)
Quote #4
Over the central bookcase was a bronze bust of Hippocrates, with which, according to some authorities, Dr. Heidegger was accustomed to hold consultations in all difficult cases of his practice. (3)
This adds to our growing notion that there is something odd – possibly supernatural – about Dr. Heidegger. Not only are the objects in his study somewhat mystical (like the black folio or the skeleton in the closet), but Dr. Heidegger himself has a supernatural relationship with these objects (in plain words, he talks to a statue on his bookshelf).
Quote #5
The doctor's four venerable friends made him no answer, except by a feeble and tremulous laugh; so very ridiculous was the idea that, knowing how closely repentance treads behind the steps of error, they should ever go astray again.
"Drink, then,'' said the doctor, bowing: "I rejoice that I have so well selected the subjects of my experiment.'' (20-21)
As readers, we are in on Dr. Heidegger's little joke here. He knows that the guests are full of it – he anticipates their foolish behavior. When he says that he's chosen well, however, he means it – just not in the way his guests interpret. He has chosen them well in the sense that they will affirm his hypothesis about the folly of youth.
Quote #6
"Patience, patience!'' quoth Dr. Heidegger, who sat watching the experiment with philosophic coolness. (25)
Dr. Heidegger's wisdom is contrasted with the foolishness of his guests. Even his name – Doctor Heidegger – gives him a certain gravitas. This mention of his "philosophic coolness" adds an interesting dimension to this gravitas. He is not just a medical doctor, but a philosopher as well. This brings us back to the statue of Hippocrates – check out "Symbols, Imagery, Allegory" for more.