How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Officially, The Vigils did not exist. How could a school condone an organization like the Vigils? The school allowed it to function by ignoring it completely, pretending it wasn't there. […] It was there because it served a purpose. (4.23)
Trinity uses The Vigils to enforce discipline it can't enforce itself. The Vigils can be pressured into taking on tasks, like turning selling chocolate into a popular activity and quashing any sense of rebellion.
Quote #2
You had to hand it to Leon – he was a superb actor. He loved to read short stories aloud, taking all the parts, providing all the sound effects. Nobody yawned or fell asleep in Leon's class. You had to be alert every minute. (6.13)
Leon has the talent to be an excellent teacher. He's mesmerizing, entertaining, and smart. But, the reason these kids are so alert isn't because they're soaking up knowledge; it's because they're afraid of what Leon will do or say next.
Quote #3
"Are you perfect, Bailey? All those As – that implies perfection. Is that the answer, Bailey? […] Only God is perfect, Bailey." (6.36-38)
Trinity is a Catholic school, and students are supposed to be getting a religious education. Leon is twisting a religious idea – that God is perfect – to torment his students and to teach them not to trust.
Quote #4
Even his thoughts became sharper, and things were simple and uncomplicated – he could solve math problems when he ran, or memorize football plays. (9.1)
Many of today's educators know that students have "multiple intelligences." The Goober is physically intelligent. Not only does he have physical prowess, but he learns better when he's performing physical activity. What are your multiple intelligences? Take this nifty quiz for some clues.
Quote #5
The Goober was depressed, thinking about school spirit. Ever since Room Nineteen had collapsed, he lived in a mild state of shock. (13.9)
School spirit at Trinity is a farce. For Goober, Room Nineteen is a huge symbol of this. Trinity itself is like Room Nineteen, a room where everything and everyone is on the verge of a catastrophic collapse.
Quote #6
Brother Leon – "[…] and let me point out that this sale is strictly voluntary, Trinity forces no one to participate against his wishes, this is the great glory of Trinity […]" (13.44)
The bitter irony here is obvious. At Trinity, everyone is constantly being forced to do things they don't want to do. All the kids know that Brother Leon means the exact opposite of what he says.
Quote #7
David Caroni – Worse than that […], he had allowed Brother Leon to blackmail him. If teachers did this kind of thing, what kind of world could it be? (16.45)
Poor David. At Trinity, he's learning to trust no one. He's just as disappointed in himself for succumbing to Leon's manipulations as he is in Brother Leon for manipulating him.
Quote #8
"Look, Jerry. There's something rotten in that school. More than rotten." (23.26)
You said it, Goob. We don't know how long Trinity's been in operation, or how long things have been so bad. Still, we get a sense it's been this way for a long time. Maybe Brother Leon himself went to school here! But that's just sheer speculation.
Quote #9
They tell you to do your own thing, but they don't mean it. They don't want you to do your thing, unless it happens to be their thing, too. It's a laugh, Goober, a fake. Don't disturb the universe, Goober, no matter what the posters say. (38.17)
These are Jerry's last thoughts, the things he wants to say to Goober, but can't. Do you think he'll revise his thoughts later? We just can't picture Jerry as a passive, submissive guy, especially after what he's been through. What do you think?