How we cite our quotes: (Section.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Presently the agreeable swish of ladies' dresses began to be heard […] Kovalev's smiles became broader still when peeping from under the hat he saw there to be an alabaster, rounded little chin, and part of a cheek flushed like an early rose. But all at once he recoiled as though scorched, for all at once he had remembered that he had not a nose on him, but nothing at all. (2.28-29)
It's just really funny how totally incongruous everyone's actions are. Kovalev keeps falling back on "proper society behavior" in every new situation—here, as soon as he sees a cute girl walk by, he starts in with the lady-killing. And then of course he remembers that he has no nose, and has to totally change his programming to something else. Because you can't just go up and ask for some girl's number without a nose, can you?
Quote #5
Meanwhile, as the day was fine and sunny, the Prospekt was thronged with pedestrians also—a whole kaleidoscopic stream of ladies was flowing along the pavements, from Police Headquarters to the Anitchkin Bridge. There one could descry an Aulic Councilor. whom Kovalev knew well. A gentleman he was whom Kovalev always addressed as "Lieutenant-Colonel," and especially in the presence of others. And there went Yaryzhkin, Chief Clerk to the Senate, a crony who always rendered forfeit at "Boston" on playing an eight. (2.30)
So, a little peek into the character our dear friend Kovalev. He's the kind of dude who loves to parade his fancy friends in front of other people (check out how he makes a big deal out of using the Lieutenant-Colonel's title whenever he can). It's no wonder that all of that ambition and upward mobility is even more concentrated in the guy's nose—you know, the snob body part.
Quote #6
Yes, the inspector gave it Kovalev between the eyes. And as it should be added that Kovalev was extremely sensitive where his title or his dignity was concerned (though he readily pardoned anything said against himself personally, and even held, with regard to stage plays, that, whilst Staff-Officers should not be assailed, officers of lesser rank might be referred to), the police inspector's reception so took him aback that, in a dignified way, and with hands set apart a little, he nodded, remarked: "After your insulting observations there is nothing which I wish to add," and betook himself away again. (2.89)
That Kovalev! Insult his mom all you want, but don't you dare mess with his titles. What makes the story funny is that the titled guy always wins—and that what freaks Kovalev out about losing his nose isn't, you know, randomly not having a nose—but losing is social status.