How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Both boys felt a shadow bulk the drive between houses, both flung up their windows, both poked their heads out, both dropped their jaws in surprise at this friendly, this always exquisite timing, this delightful pantomime of intuition, of apprehension, their tandem teamwork over the years. (29.13)
There does seem to be a supernatural connection here between the two boys; this is a great example of an eerie or magical element of the novel that is NOT evil or wicked. Perhaps Bradbury is suggesting that there are supernatural elements in all of our lives – in our friendships and loves, for example.
Quote #8
"Have I said anything I started out to say about being good? God, I don't know. A stranger is shot in the street, you hardly move to help. But if, half an hour before, you spent just ten minutes with the fellow and knew a little bit about him and his family, you might just jump in front of his killer and try to stop it. Really knowing is good. Not knowing, or refusing to know, is bad, or amoral, at least. You can't act if you don't know." (39.22)
Will's father seems to be saying that community and friendship is good and can help prevent evil. Try thinking about this in the context of Will and Jim's relationship.
Quote #9
And if they cure [Mr. Electrico], then, oh gosh, then, it's angry him and angry Illustrated Man against just Dad and me! And Jim? Well, where was Jim? This way one day, that way the next, and…tonight? Whose side would he wind up on? Ours! Old friend Jim! Ours, of course! But Will trembled. Did friends last forever, then? For eternity, could they be counted to a warm, round, and handsome sum? (51.7)
Will is fully aware of the danger posed by the carnival to his friendship with Jim. He knows just how tempted Jim is by the carousel.