Wealth Quotes in A Confederacy of Dunces

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

"I made up my mind. You gonna go out and get you a job." Oh, what low joke was Fortuna playing on him now? Arrest, accident, job. Where would this dreadful cycle ever end? (2.194)

For Ignatius, having to get a job is like a freak weather event—it's a horrible and cruel twist of fate. You sort of want to shake him and shout buck up, but he'd just tell you that you're hopelessly corrupted by decadent modernism and don't understand his valve. So save your breath.

Quote #2

"No! You will not mortgage this house." He pounded a great paw into the mattress. "The whole sense of security which I have been trying to develop would crumble. I will not have any disinterested party controlling my domicile. I couldn't stand it. Just the thought of it makes my hands break out." (2.223)

We don't think Boethius would whine about how his hands will break out if he doesn't have a secure domicile. Ignatius is really wedded to routine… and this quote shows how essential money is to routine. Ignatius may claim he doesn't want to deal with the modern world, but his daily life in said modern world wouldn't be possible without cash.

Quote #3

"I intend to draw Miss Trixie out rather shortly. I suspect that this Medusa of capitalism has many valuable insight and more than one pithy observation to offer." (3.187)

The Medusa was a horrible monster with snakes for hair, and looking into her face turned the viewer to stone. Miss Trixie is a little old lady who keeps accounts and frequently falls asleep. She's only a Medusa of capitalism if you're determined to see anything having to do with money as inherently frightening and dangerous, or if you are desperate to make yourself and your surroundings seem dramatic.