How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Paul started calling the therapy group the "Madman Underground," and everyone else picked it up. The name stuck like a coat of paint, at least inside the group. And supposedly nobody outside the group knew there was a group. Of course we all knew that wasn't true. High school was like the little clear plastic tunnels that Paul's hamsters lived in: you could run a long way, but never get out, and always, everyone could see you. (1.79)
Being a social outcast in high school under normal circumstances is pretty bad. Being a social outcast who is also known to be part of a therapy group for weirdos and head cases is a fate you probably wouldn't wish on your worst enemy. Or, maybe you would. If so, you're pretty hardcore. Either way, the Madmen have to live double lives individually as well as a group. Once every other week, they come together in their Madmen union and share their dirt, but the rest of the time, they play like they don't know each other.
Quote #2
Cheryl was the queen of the socials—all the cute perky girls with big smiles that knew everybody. She was the secretary or vice president for every club and committee, always at every party, and never missed a game […] But even though she was Queen of the Socials, Cheryl was even more the Queen of the Madman Underground. (3.3)
Some of the Madmen—Cheryl, most obviously—are able to pull off the incredible feat of being both nuts and popular at the same time. Which really just makes us think that Cheryl's life has to be really exhausting. Popular cheerleader by day, protector of her molested, traumatized sister by night? Dude, that's a lot to take on.
Quote #3
The next Madman in was Danny, in his FFA jacket. Paul always said that he probably slept in it and you couldn't prove he didn't have it on under his football uniform. He was a one-man two-clique wonder, leader of jocks and farm boys alike. Three-clique, really, the smart kids let him hang with them to show they could be tolerant. Four, I guess, if you counted the Madman Underground. (3.16)
Like Cheryl, Danny is one of those kids who's been blessed with social-chameleon abilities. Despite his inclusion in the Madman Underground, his athletic prowess and zeal for Future Farmers of America seem to be enough to earn him status as a Popular Guy.