How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph.)
Quote #1
"But can't you," she said logically, "just give yourself up?"
He had answers as plain and understandable as her questions. He said, "There's the pain. To choose pain like that—it's not possible. And it's my duty not to be caught. You see, my bishop is no longer here." Curious pedantries moved him. "This is my parish." (1.3.120-1)
Now that he's the only one left in the state, the priest's sense of responsibility has only heightened. No one can take his place or share the burden. There's no Justice League here, folks. It's all on him.
Quote #2
"Oh, let them come. Let them all come," the priest cried angrily. "I am your servant." He put his hand over his eyes and began to weep. (1.3.196)
Just because the priest has a strong sense of duty doesn't mean he likes it. In this case, though, his frustration is understandable. He's exhausted to the point of tears, but the faithful want their confessions. Well, one of them does, and he's rather insistent. Jeez dude, get a clue.
Quote #3
She felt no resentment at all at being there, looking after things: the word "play" had no meaning to her at all—the whole of life was adult. (1.4.70)
Coral Fellows has grown up much too quickly. Adulthood for her has more to do with taking on responsibilities than it does with the number of years since her birth. You'll often see this theme in coming-of-age stories: the passage from childhood to adulthood runs through responsibility, like an Olympic torch of stress and obligation that nobody is too excited to carry.