IB Lit HL Paper 2 Review - Quotes

Notable quotes from Perfume, Giovanni's Room, and The Sympathizer

“People left him ___. And _____”

alone; that was all he wanted. Perfume pg. 182

Quote from Perfume that exemplifies Grenouille’s isolation.

“People left him alone. And that was all he wanted.” pg. 182

What is the significance of the quote, “People left him alone. And that was all he wanted,” from Perfume?

The quote signifies Grenouille’s desire for solitude, a preference instilled in him from an early age due to his rejection by society. Further, it highlights his internal conflict and the irony of his pursuit of the perfect scent; despite seeking acceptance, he ultimately finds comfort in isolation.

“____ ruled the hearts of men”

He who ruled scent. Perfume pg. 155

Quote from Perfume that demonstrates the novel, and Grenouille’s, emphasis on scent.

“He who ruled scent ruled the hearts of men.” pg. 155

What is the significance of the quote, “He who ruled scent ruled the hearts of men,” from Perfume?

The quote illustrates the power of scent in influencing emotions and actions, a central theme of the novel and aspect of Grenouille’s character. It reflects Grenouille’s obsession with creating the perfect fragrance to attract power and control over others.

“[he wanted] to _____”

to peel it from her like skin and to make her scent his own. Perfume pg. 172

Quote from Perfume which exemplifies the grotesque imagery found throughout the text.

“to peel it from her like skin and to make her scent his own.” pg. 172

What is the significance of the quote, “to peel it from her like skin and to make her scent his own,” from Perfume?

The quote highlights the novel’s exploration of obsession and the ways in which it affects personal desires and identity. It is also an example of the grotesque imagery used throughout the text.

“I had decided to allow ____ which ____”

no room in the universe for that; shamed and frightened me. Giovanni’s Room pg. 20

Quote from Giovanni’s Room which exemplifies David’s internalized homophobia and shame.

“I had decided to allow no room in the universe for that which shamed and frightened me.” Giovanni’s Room pg. 20

What is the significance of the quote, “I had decided to allow no room in the universe for that which shamed and frightened me,” from Giovanni’s Room?

The quote demonstrates David’s internalized homophobia and fear of societal rejection, choosing to ignore a critical part of his identity in order to satisfy the standards he has set for himself and that he feels he must meet to appease others. It also plays on themes of space and time throughout the novel, paralleling the ways that Giovanni’s room makes him feel.

“ordered a ___…which____

Scotch and soda; had never seemed so American. Giovanni’s Room pg. 94

Quote from Giovanni’s Room that demonstrates David’s cultural and physical isolation.

“ordered a Scotch and soda…which had never seemed more American.” Giovanni’s Room pg. 94

What is the significance of the quote, “ordered a Scotch and soda…which had never seemed more American,” from Giovanni's Room?

The quote emphasizes David’s inability to reconcile his American values in a Parisian environment which, in a way, accepts what he deems as unacceptable. It also reflects his instinct of escapism, but proves that no matter where he goes, he cannot escape himself.

“But _____. I was _____”

it was too late by that time; already with Giovanni. Giovanni’s Room pg. 4

Quote from Giovanni’s Room which demonstrates nonlinear storytelling?

“But it was too late by that time. I was already with Giovanni.” Giovanni’s Room pg. 4

What is the significance of the quote, “But it was too late by that time. I was already with Giovanni,” from Giovanni’s Room?

The quote demonstrates a hallmark of the novel, nonlinear storytelling. Though David is narrating from the present, he immediately returns to memory, reflecting how Baldwin builds emotional intensity through layering the past and present. It also highlights themes of memory, guilt, and time.