Quint's most famous and chilling line comes from his powerful, traumatic monologue in the movie Jaws, recounting a harrowing real-life event.
The Iconic Quint Line
The line that epitomizes Quint's character and the grim reality of the ocean's dangers, particularly in the context of sharks, is:
"So, eleven hundred men went into the water, three hundred sixteen men come out, and the sharks took the rest. But we delivered the bomb."
Context and Significance
This memorable quote is part of Quint's monologue aboard the Orca, where he recounts his experience as a survivor of the USS Indianapolis sinking during World War II. The ship delivered parts for the atomic bomb and was subsequently torpedoed, leaving its crew adrift in shark-infested waters for days.
The monologue serves several crucial purposes in the film:
- Character Development: It provides profound insight into Quint's deep-seated trauma, his unwavering resolve, and his visceral hatred for sharks. This personal history explains his relentless pursuit of the great white shark.
- Heightened Stakes: By grounding the fictional shark threat in a horrific, real historical event, the monologue elevates the sense of danger and dread, making the audience understand the true peril faced by the characters.
- Pivotal Scene: It is a standout moment that combines masterful storytelling with raw emotion, solidifying Quint as one of cinema's most compelling figures.
Breakdown of the Line's Impact
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| "Eleven hundred men went into the water..." | Establishes the massive scale of the disaster, hinting at the overwhelming odds and the vastness of the ocean's indifference. |
| "...three hundred sixteen men come out, and the sharks took the rest." | Directly confronts the horrifying reality of the shark attacks, emphasizing the brutal, indiscriminate nature of the predators. This is the core horror of the monologue. |
| "But we delivered the bomb." | The chilling conclusion. It highlights the ultimate objective and the cost, adding a layer of grim irony and illustrating the sacrifices made. It underscores Quint's stoicism and focus on mission accomplishment, despite the horror. |
This line, delivered with intense conviction, remains a defining moment in Jaws and a testament to the film's enduring power and Quint's unforgettable character.
