Violence Quotes in The Lovely Bones

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

"I've made a little hiding place," said Mr. Harvey. (1.24)

The making of the trap, the luring Susie into it – these are not mere preludes to violence. But links in the chain of violence which culminates in her death.

Quote #2

"You aren't leaving, Susie. You're mine now." (1.69)

This act, forbidding Susie to leave, is overtly violent. He is no longer pretending to be nice. His words express the depth of the brutality that will swiftly come.

Quote #3

He reached into the pocket of my parka and balled up the hat my mother had made me, smashing it into my mouth. The only sound I made after that was the weak tinkling of bells. (1.81)

Although this is not the most violent thing Harvey does (if we can weight these things against each other) it's extremely impactful. Seeing him shut off her breath and voice gives the reader a vivid sense of suffocation.