Water for Elephants Chapter 22 Quotes
Water for Elephants Chapter 22 Quotes
How we cite the quotes:
(Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote 1
I sink to the floor, overcome with grief and guilt. I throw a book at the wall. I pound the floorboards. I shake my fists at heaven and God, and when I finally subside into uncontrolled sobbing Queenie creeps out from behind the trunks and slides into my lap. I hold her warm body until finally we are rocking in silence. (22.96)
Jacob's suffering comes out through his body in waves as he does everything possible to express his emotion and anger. He resorts to violence, tears, and animal comfort, but it seems like nothing is enough to make him feel better about the loss of Walter and Camel, or the fact that he wasn't there to protect them.
Quote 2
"Hell no! What do you think I am? "I'd never do something like that. Aw s***. Aw hell. The poor old fella. Wait a minute – " he says, training his eyes on me suddenly. "Where were you?"
"Somewhere else," I say. (22.125-26)
Earl's definition of manhood can be seen in what he will and won't do. He's deeply offended that Jacob thinks for a second he'd participate in redlighting Walter and Camel, saying "What do you think I am?" This is not just about masculinity but about who he is at his core. The implication is that a good man would never do such a thing.