- Franz Biberkopf: Franz Biberkopf: "I want to buy flowers but I don't know which. They should express that the past is one and the same, and it just keeps driving you on and on to a place where there is no future. Do you understand?"
- Florist: Florist: "Yes I understand. It must be Carnations. White Carnations.
- Franz Biberkopf: Franz Biberkopf: "But that is the flower of death?" Florist: "Yes, and that is what you asked for!"