How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Section.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"Oh, you're a great little josher, Verg. But when it comes to kidding, how about this report that you stole the black marble steps off the post-office and sold 'em for high-grade coal!" (5.3.16)
The guys at Babbitt's social clubs like to have a good laugh now and then. And some of the things they like to laugh about are all the shady business deals they've pulled at the expense of the public. This is pretty much the upper classes at their worst. They cheat people out of money and then brag about it when they get together.
Quote #5
"Oh, I don't mean I haven't had a lot of fun out of the Game; out of putting it over on the labor unions, and seeing a big check coming in, and the business increasing. But what's the use of it?" (5.3.48)
Paul Riesling likes cheating the labor unions and making money as much as the next guy. The problem is that he wants to know where it all leads, and he can't really come up with a satisfying answer.
Quote #6
To-night he departed with feigned and apologetic liveliness. He was as afraid of his still-faced clerks—of the eyes focused on him […] as a parvenu before the bleak propriety of his butler. (6.2.10)
Deep down, Babbitt is afraid of his employees. The reason he's afraid is because he has a fragile ego and he wants everyone to like him. His insecurity here helps show us how in some ways, the lower classes still have the power to influence the upper classes.