How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
He switched off the light again, and instantly everything was even worse than before. The fear jumped at him for the third time like a great animal that had been waiting to spring. Will lay terrified, shaking, feeling himself shake, and yet unable to move. He felt he must be going mad. […] And then in a dreadful furious moment, horror seized him like a nightmare made real. (1.84)
In his room on the first night, Will is scared—and this is before he even knows about the Dark. It's clear that he's just like other eleven-year-olds who sometimes get scared at night. When we find out that Will is an all-powerful Sign Seeker, this scene helps us remember that he's also still a kid growing up.
Quote #2
"A Midwinter birthday," said the strange man in the cloak. "Auspicious, indeed. And you will be eleven years grown." It was a statement, not a question. (2.42)
Old John talks about Will's birthday in the beginning. Thing is, Will's birthday kind of comes up a lot, reminding us that though he's an Old One, he's also just a kid.
Quote #3
Merriman said curtly: "Yes," Then he relented a little. "But it was their doing, Will, not yours. They seized you, through your impatience and your hope. They love to twist good emotion to accomplish ill." (3.104)
When the Lady gets hurt by the doors, Merriman gets annoyed at Will for being immature. While we do think Merriman could cut the guy a break sometimes, he has a point here. Will is immature and still learning how to be an Old One. If he weren't, he wouldn't have any room for growth… or coming of age.