How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #1
"those Zooks will be sorry they started this game." (47)
We all know that a friendly game can turn into something a little less friendly. The Chief Yookeroo dubs the conflict a game, but things escalate pretty quickly. A good lesson for the little ones to make sure their games don't turn nasty.
Quote #2
everyone cheered and their cheers filled the sky:
"Fight! Fight for the Butter Side Up! / Do or die!" (96-8)
Everyone loves a cheerleader. And no competition is complete without fans. Here's the thing, though. These particular fans spur on the competition and increase its intensity and its potential animosity.
Quote #3
"We didn't do. And we didn't quite die.
But we sure did get worsted, poor Daniel and I." (100-102)
Yowza. We didn't quite die? The competition is getting pretty intense. Gramps should probably take a chill pull, but he's too caught up in the competition to see the bigger picture.
Quote #4
"'Oh, be faithful!
Believe in thy butter!'" (122-3)
Propaganda, anyone? Part of what escalates competition is the belief that your side is just flat out better than the other.
Quote #5
"The Big War is coming. You're going to begin it!
And what's more, this time you are certain to win it" (128-9)
Finally we've been swept into direct confrontation. The language has changed from that of games and national pride to warfare and conquest. Is it possible that war, rivalry, and healthy competition are just different degrees of the same feeling?