402 is the prisoner occupying the cell next to Rubashov, whose name we never learn. 402 is, from what he says, a reactionary—that is, a supporter of the monarchy that the Revolution dismantled. He has been sentenced to 18 years in prison because of it. He has a crude sense of humor, often fantasizing about women and recruiting Rubashov to join in, but he is also idealistic and believes in honor and a commitment to one’s own beliefs. Despite their wildly divergent politics, 402 and Rubashov become friends in prison, although Rubashov’s decision to capitulate almost destroys their relationship.
No. 402 Quotes in Darkness at Noon
The Darkness at Noon quotes below are all either spoken by No. 402 or refer to No. 402. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
).
The First Hearing: 11
Quotes
“Yet I would do it again,” he said to himself. “It was necessary and right. But do I perhaps owe you the fare all the same? Must one also pay for deeds which were right and necessary?”
Related Characters:
Related Themes:
Page Number and Citation:
Explanation and Analysis:
Get the entire Darkness at Noon LitChart as a printable PDF.
No. 402 Quotes in Darkness at Noon
The Darkness at Noon quotes below are all either spoken by No. 402 or refer to No. 402. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
).
The First Hearing: 11
Quotes
“Yet I would do it again,” he said to himself. “It was necessary and right. But do I perhaps owe you the fare all the same? Must one also pay for deeds which were right and necessary?”
Related Characters:
Related Themes:
Page Number and Citation:
Explanation and Analysis:
