Quotes

Dialogue

Madeleine LeClerc: How can we know who is good - and who is evil? Abbé du Coulmier: All we can do is guard against our own corruption.

Dialogue

Abbé du Coulmier: It's not even a proper novel. It's nothing but an encyclopedia of perversions. Frankly, it even fails as an exercise in craft. The characters are wooden, the dialogue is inane. Not to mention the repetition of words like "nipple" and "pikestaff". Marquis de Sade: There I was taxed; it's true. Abbé du Coulmier: And such puny scope. Nothing but the worst in man's nature. Marquis de Sade: I write of the great, eternal truths that bind together all mankind. The whole world over, we eat, we shit, we fuck, we kill and we die. Abbé du Coulmier: But we also fall in love, we build cities, we compose symphonies, and we endure. Why not put that in your books as well?

Dialogue

Madeleine LeClerc: Your publisher says I'm not to leave without another manuscript. Marquis de Sade: I've just the story. It's the unhappy tale... of a virginal laundry lass. The darling of the lower wards where they entomb the criminally insane. Madeleine LeClerc: Is it awfully violent? Marquis de Sade: Most assuredly. Madeleine LeClerc: Is it terribly erotic? Marquis de Sade: Fiendishly so. But it comes with a price. A kiss for each page...

Dialogue

Abbé du Coulmier: There are certain things.... feelings.... we must not voice. Madeleine LeClerc: Why? Abbé du Coulmier: They incite us to act on what we should not.... cannot.

Dialogue

Renee Pelagie: Desperation has driven me past etiquette, all the way to frenzy. Dr. Royer-Collard: My schedule is not the subject to the whims of lunatics. Renee Pelagie: I beg to differ, you work in a madhouse. Your every walking moment is governed by the insane.

Dialogue

If you cure him, I mean really cure him, harness the beast that rages his soul.

Dialogue

Renee Pelagie: Can I impart to you his cruelest trick? Dr. Royer-Collard: Of course. Renee Pelagie: Once, long ago in the folly of youth, he made me love him.

Dialogue

Abbé du Coulmier: You are not to entertain visitors in your quarters. Marquis de Sade: I'm entertaining you now, aren't I? Abbé du Coulmier: Yes, but I'm not a beautiful young prospect ripe for corruption. Marquis de Sade: Don't be so sure.

Dialogue

Prouix, the Architect: Madame, how could you- have you actually read this volume? Simone: I've memorized it. Would you like me to recite? Prouix, the Architect: There comes a time in a young lady's life when she has to cast books aside, and learn from experience. Simone: That, Monsieur, requires a teacher.

Dialogue

Simone: Sign it quickly, then you can ravish me again in the linens for which he so dearly paid. Prouix, the Architect: And then I beg you, on the bearskin rug in his study. And finally, as a crowning gesture, we'll leave puddles of love on the Peruvian marble.

Dialogue

Abbé du Coulmier: But why must you indulge in his pornography? Madeleine LeClerc: It's a hard day's wages slaving away for madmen, what I've seen in life - it takes a lot to hold my interest.

Dialogue

Dr. Royer-Collard: I won't sully my hands with him. Marquis de Sade: Nor should you. That's the first rule of politics, isn't it? The man who drops the execution never drops the blade.

Dialogue

Madeleine LeCleric: It's a sin against God for me to refuse your kindness. But my heart's held fast here- Abbé du Coulmier: By whom? The Marquis? Madeleine LeCleric: Mother's not half so blind as you.

Dialogue

Abbé du Coulmier: An innocent child is dead. Marquis de Sade: So many authors are denied the gratification of a concrete response to their work. I am blessed. Dr. Royer-Collard: Will you sleep sound tonight? Abbé du Coulmier: No. Put frankly, I never expect to sleep again.