How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
But in the end I managed it, and the instant I saw her again, at that recovery centre in Dover, all our differences—while they didn't exactly vanish—seemed not nearly as important as all the other things: like the fact that we'd grown up together at Hailsham, the fact that we knew and remembered things no one else did. (1.5)
This is our first introduction to Kathy and Ruth's friendship. Right off the bat, we know their friendship was rocky. But we also learn that they have shared memories of Hailsham, and this binds them together. We'll see this connection to Hailsham resurface a lot throughout the novel, and it seems to be the one thing that always holds these two together.
Quote #2
I can see now, too, how the Exchanges had a more subtle effect on us all. If you think about it, being dependent on each other to produce the stuff that might become your private treasures—that's bound to do things to your relationships. (2.19)
At Hailsham, friendships crop up around the art the students create. There's a really important phrase Kathy uses here—"being dependent on each other." To Kathy, this dependency is a good thing and helps build camaraderie. But what do they need each other for, beyond random trinkets? Do they depend on each other emotionally, too?
Quote #3
But at other times, I think that's wrong—that it was just to do with me and Ruth, and the sort of loyalty she inspired in me in those days. (5.30)
Kathy tells us this after Moira has insulted the secret guard. In response, Kathy has defended the secret guard, despite the fact that Ruth has kicked her out. Kathy sure is a loyal pal. What "sort of loyalty" do you think Ruth inspires in Kathy? And why is Kathy so loyal, even when she's been snubbed?