A Great Reckoning

“The lines of his face were the longitude and latitude of his life.”

This quotation describes Gamache’s physical features, linking his appearance to his inner character. It also introduces a cartographic metaphor (maps usually feature longitude and latitude lines) to build the motif of maps and foreshadow the mystery surrounding the orienteering map. The quotation also indicates Gamache’s trustworthiness and integrity since his appearance reflects who he truly is, while for other characters, their appearances can be deceiving.

“What would happen, he wondered, if he couldn’t control it and the antibiotic, the virus, went viral.”

Gamache reflects on his plan to bring Brébeuf to the academy and experiences doubt about it. Gamache invites Brébeuf to the school as a strategy to reform the toxic atmosphere created by Leduc but also fears that this strategy could backfire. This quotation uses a metaphor comparing Brébeuf to an antibiotic and a virus, something designed to wipe out an existing infection by introducing a very small and controlled amount of a dangerous substance. This metaphor reflects Gamache’s aspirations but also the risks he creates.

“Serge Leduc was not an issue. He was not even an obstacle. He was, in fact, part of the plan.”

Gamache implements his sweeping reforms at the academy but chooses to keep Leduc. This decision does not seem to make sense since Leduc is known to be corrupt, but the quotation reveals Gamache’s strategic, long-term planning and his confidence.