The 6:20 Man

“What they taught you in the world of high finance was simple really: win or lose. Eat or starve. It was a binary choice.”

This quote distills the cutthroat simplicity of the high-finance environment depicted in the novel, where outcomes are stark and the middle ground is nonexistent. It presents the financial sector as a zero-sum game where every transaction and decision can lead to either great success or ruinous failure. This binary framework of winning or losing underscores the novel’s themes of Competitive Ambition and the relentless pursuit of success at any cost.

“Nobody in this world gives you a damn thing. You have to take it, and you take it by working harder than anybody else.”

This quotation highlights the novel’s exploration of work ethic and the meritocratic ideology deeply ingrained in the protagonist, Devine, by his father. It reflects the relentless drive and individualistic pursuit of success that are characteristic of Devine’s world, where personal achievement is the result of ceaseless effort and tenacity. This ethos not only shapes Devine’s approach to his career but also underscores a larger narrative about the often-unyielding nature of capitalist society, where one’s value is frequently measured by one’s economic productivity.

“Devine’s birth had clearly been a mistake.”

Devine is speculating here, based on his feeling that he has always been a disappointment to his parents, who frequently compared him unfavorably to his much older siblings, a neurosurgeon and a corporate executive. Devine’s parents instilled in him an abiding sense of insufficiency, influencing his drive and determination throughout the narrative.

“He had gone into uniform as a boy and come out as a war machine.”

This quotation speaks to the transformative impact of military service on the protagonist, highlighting a loss of innocence and the inculcation of martial prowess. It implies a profound change wrought within him, where the human element is subsumed by the efficiency and ruthlessness of a “war machine.” This transition likely sets the stage for the internal conflicts Devine faces, as he must reconcile his ingrained military identity with the complexities of civilian life and the moral ambiguities he encounters in the narrative.

“I did it in the Army. Any reason I can’t do it on Wall Street?”

This quote reflects the protagonist’s attempt to apply the discipline and skills learned in the military to the competitive world of finance. It reveals his belief in the universality of certain principles like hard work and strategic planning, regardless of the arena. However, it also hints at an underlying naivety, suggesting that Devine may underestimate the differences between the structured environment of the military and the often chaotic, morally ambiguous sphere of Wall Street.

“You either complete it or you don’t. You sure as hell know the United States Army doesn’t hand out participation trophies, son.”

This quote from Campbell encapsulates the theme of competition in high-stakes environments, like the military or Wall Street. Campbell’s curt statement to Devine underscores the novel’s thematic exploration of success and failure, where the middle ground is nonexistent and the consequences are dire. It sets the tone for Devine’s mission, highlighting the binary outcome expected of him and foreshadowing the relentless pressure he will face throughout the story.

“When the going got tough, you just kicked your own ass even harder.”

This quote reflects the novel’s themes of self-reliance and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. When confronted with challenges, Devine responds with increased determination and self-discipline. The statement speaks to the protagonist’s military background, where perseverance and the will to push oneself beyond limits are paramount, and it encapsulates his approach to the obstacles he encounters in the narrative.

“Nothing wounded a female soldier more than knowing the guy in uniform next to her didn’t have her back, and more insulting, didn’t even want her there.”

The quotation epitomizes prejudices against women in male-dominated worlds such as the military or, in the larger context of the novel, the world of finance. The quotation underscores the resentment and outright hostility women face in many contexts.

“What the hell was pain anyway? It was life, you had to deal with it.”

This quotation encapsulates a stoic perspective that pervades the novel, reflecting the protagonist’s hardened outlook on life. It suggests an acceptance of suffering as an integral and inescapable part of the human experience, one that must be confronted and managed rather than avoided. This theme of resilience in the face of adversity is a key element of Devine’s character, shaping his responses to the challenges he encounters throughout the story.

“I’m going to have a nice meal, while you wipe your candy bar and Cheez-It fingers over the whole of the NASDAQ futures.”

This quote humorously contrasts the luxurious lifestyle of the financial elite with the gritty reality of the trading floor. It paints a vivid picture of the disparity between those who dine lavishly and those who, consumed by their work, can only afford snatched moments for quick and cheap sustenance. This disparity is indicative of the larger social and economic divides explored in the novel, highlighting the vast differences in quality of life within the stratified world of high finance.

“In Russia, people die all the time. Usually by government. Or too much vodka.”

Valentine’s grim humor reflects the novel’s exploration of the inherent dangers of life in places where institutional corruption is rampant. This quote reveals his personal history and hints at the underlying threat that characters from such backgrounds might carry with them. It provides depth to Valentine’s character, suggesting his casual cynicism is a façade for deeper traumas, and aligns with the novel’s larger theme of the corrupting influence of power.

“But the more intelligence you had beforehand, the better the eventual fight would go.”

This quotation underscores the importance of preparation and foreknowledge in achieving success, particularly in adversarial situations. It implies that the outcomes of conflicts, whether physical or intellectual, are often predetermined by the amount of information gathered beforehand. In the context of the novel, this strategy speaks to the protagonist’s military background, influencing his approach to the corporate battles and personal confrontations he faces, highlighting that in this world, as in warfare, information is a crucial asset that can determine victory or defeat.

“Was there really any meaning in the lives being led by people? Were we all just waiting for…nothing?”

Devine’s existential musings, inspired by Waiting for Godot, delve into the theme of purpose in the modern world. This reflects the novel’s philosophical undertone, questioning the significance of the characters’ actions and the overarching nihilism that can pervade a capitalist society. The author uses this introspection to examine the futility that characters may feel amidst the novel’s complex plot.

“It only matters, Devine, to you. But I would say this: Life is a long enough journey without having only negative motivations to get your ass out of bed every day. What I’m offering you is, once again, something.”

Campbell offers Devine an opportunity to redefine his purpose and to engage in something that extends beyond self-flagellation or penance. In a novel where characters are often driven by unseen forces or trapped by their circumstances, Devine’s acceptance of this offer signals a turning point in the plot and a profound development in his character arc.

“All you need is some food, a roof over your head, a few brewskies a day, baseball in the summer and football in the fall, a missus to watch over you, and you can be a happy man.”

Sam’s simple philosophy of life contrasts with the high-intensity world of the other characters, highlighting the theme of simplicity versus complexity. His perspective provides a grounding counterpoint to the novel’s fast-paced narrative and the relentless ambition depicted in the financial sector. It questions the cost of success and whether more straightforward, contented lives are overlooked in the relentless pursuit of more.

“When in doubt, say nothing. When not in doubt, double down on that advice.”

This adage—engrained into Devine through his military training—encapsulates his strategic approach to communication and decision-making. Devine views silence as a powerful tool to maintain control and avoid revealing weakness or uncertainty. This counsel to “double down” on reticence, even when one is confident, reflects a pattern of guarded interaction, where characters are constantly weighing the impact of their words against the backdrop of complex social and professional stakes.

“Which means the truth becomes meaningless because you can invent your own. Not that people don’t already do that all the time. Only with this technology the lie becomes very convincing.”

Cowl’s observation speaks to the theme of truth’s malleability in the digital age. The novel uses this insight to explore the concept of reality as a construct, particularly in an era where technology can fabricate convincing falsehoods. It underlines the ethical quandaries presented by digital manipulation and its impact on the characters’ understanding of truth and deception.

“In case you didn’t know, the New York financial world is pretty small.”

This quotation points to the insular nature of the financial industry in New York, which, despite its global impact, operates much like a tight-knit community where everyone is connected. It hints at the networked, almost claustrophobic world the protagonist navigates, where alliances and rivalries are densely interwoven. This setting amplifies the stakes of the novel’s plot, as actions and decisions within this “small world” can have far-reaching and intensified consequences.

“Yeah, I get paid to hang on the arm of a wealthy man and look wonderful. I like to think of it as living by my wits, but it’s not really that.”

Montgomery’s self-reflection reveals the gender dynamics and the commodification of appearances in the world of high finance. This statement underscores the compromises characters make to navigate a system that often values superficiality over substance. It also speaks to Montgomery’s self-awareness and her internal struggle with the role she plays.

“I need this. Brad is not interested in my brain, in case you hadn’t noticed.”

This quotation from Michelle Montgomery reveals her awareness of being valued for her appearance over her intellect, illustrating the prevalence of patriarchal gender dynamics within the novel’s setting. It reflects the character’s recognition of and resignation to the superficial criteria by which she is judged, highlighting a struggle for self-worth and respect beyond physical attributes. This moment in the narrative underscores the thematic exploration of objectification and the yearning for meaningful recognition in a world preoccupied with surface-level qualities.

“Nobody likes to admit they were suckered. It’s easier on the psyche to keep living the lie.”

Nestor’s commentary captures the theme of self-deception as a coping mechanism. The novel presents this as a universal human trait: Predatory behavior is made easier by the vanity of its targets.

“The money folks will forgive a lot if the cash keeps rolling in. Same goes for the government.”

Nestor addresses the theme of moral flexibility in the face of financial gain, a recurrent notion in the narrative. Ethical boundaries can often be overlooked if there is a continued profit, suggesting a pervasive corruption that extends from individual greed to institutional complicity. The statement is a cynical observation of how monetary success can act as a balm for the conscience of both individuals and the government, hinting at the wider societal critique presented in the novel.

“I can tell you from experience, Detective, that footage isn’t worth the pixels it’s built on.”

Devine is discussing Myers’s involvement in Ewes’s death, suggesting that the video footage is not conclusive, as videos and security logs can easily be manipulated.