Dancing on the Edge Quotes
How we cite our quotes: Chapter.Paragraph
Quote #1
Miss Emmaline Wilson had pushed me to the floor, and when the tornado struck, she was on top of me with her arms wrapped around me, holding on tight. I didn't think I'd ever want her to let go. It was a new experience being held like that, the way I figured Mama would have held me if she had lived. (11.1)
Emmaline's character reveals a dismal reality about Miracle's life: She's never had a single nurturing woman in her life. Ever. The fact that she actually enjoys being held even though a vicious storm is destroying her home reveals just how desperate for love and attention she is.
Quote #2
On the way back, I imagined what it would be like to live with Miss Emmaline all the time. I pictured her living in a broom-swept house, with everything in its proper place and all her furniture stuffed fat with feathers. I pictured her singing while she cooked, the rich-smelling sauces and gravies bubbling and dancing merrily in their pots. (12.53)
Miracle may be fantasizing about what it would be like to live with Miss Emmaline, but ultimately, her fantasies reveal a lot about what's lacking in her real-life situation. Her simple desire for a clean, well-organized house, for instance, shows us that Gigi and Aunt Casey haven't exactly been the best at providing a sense of order for her.
Quote #3
Aunt Casey was too busy. She worked all day at her beauty salon and went to college three nights a week. When she was home she was either arguing with Uncle Toole or in my room sewing on her wigs. I couldn't bother her. (13.22)
We here at Shmoop love college classes and looking fabulous, but we also don't advocate having messed-up priorities the way Aunt Casey clearly does. Living with her actually makes Miracle feel even more alone than before. Seriously, a kid needs to be cool with bothering the adults in her life.