The City of Ember Youth Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

A child seeing the rooms where powdered milk had been stored, or the rooms that stored bandages or socks or pins or notebooks, or—most of all—the dozens of rooms that had once held thousands of light bulbs—would not feel, as earlier generations of children had, that Ember was endlessly rich. Today's children, if they were to tour the storerooms, would feel afraid. (7.48)

Part of being a kid is learning how your world works. And in Ember, everything comes from the storerooms. But there aren't storeroom tours for the children anymore, because supplies are running out, and who wants to make kids feel afraid?

Quote #5

She'd always had fun with Lizzie. But their fun was usually with games—hide-and-seek, tag, the kinds of games where you run and climb. (7.78)

Lina and Lizzie were close friends when they were kids, but as they grow older (because twelve is so old) they start to grow apart. We imagine this is a pretty common experience for all youths—because how many friends from elementary school are you still close to today?—but it can still be a big bummer.

Quote #6

"I don't think it's fair," said Lina. Lizzie spoke as if she were talking to a not-very-bright child. "You can have some, too. That's what I'm telling you. There are still a few good things left." (11.87-88)

Lizzie's logic is rather childish here, even though she's talking down to Lina as though Lina's still a child. But sure, let's lie about the few supplies that are left, steal what we can, and enjoy them while they last. That's a great idea. It couldn't possibly have any consequences.