How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The house is so lonely in the morning when she is gone that I can't stand it. (16.3)
This is another one of those strong, blunt statements that lets us know that Cleary isn't about to sugarcoat anything. It's the loneliness in the mornings that propels Leigh to leave early. And being early to school results in a close relationship with Mr. Fridley, which turns out to be a very important thing for Leigh. That's a careful piece of plot construction by Beverly Cleary. Everything's in there for a reason.
Quote #2
I even sort of miss writing now that I've finished your questions. I get lonesome. (17.2)
It's interesting how close Leigh feels to Mr. Henshaw when they've never met face to face. The letter-writing connects Leigh to someone besides Mom. You can see that Leigh uses writing to deal with his loneliness. It fills up the time and lets him think about things and communicate with his role model.
Quote #3
It was nice to have somebody notice me. (18.5)
One of the downsides to moving and starting a new school is not knowing anyone, especially for someone who's reserved like Leigh. When someone actually sees him and pays attention, it feels really good. If you've ever been that new kid, you know how much difference it can make if even one person shows some interest in you. Be that person, Shmoopers.
Quote #4
Now I know Mr. Fridley isn't the only one who notices me. (29.2)
When the librarian gives Leigh a book by Mr. Henshaw, he knows that she's been paying attention. It makes him feel like someone who's worth being noticed.
Quote #5
Maybe I can't think of a story because I am waiting for Dad to call. I get so lonesome when I am alone at night when Mom is at her nursing class. (32.1)
Leigh's not just isolated because he's stuck in the house alone. Dad's neglect of Leigh adds to his loneliness.
Quote #6
"Who wants to be friends with someone who scowls all the time?" asked Mr. Fridley. "So you've got problems. Well, so has everyone else, if you take the trouble to notice." (40.11)
Mr. Fridley is combining two classics here: to have a friend you have to be a friend and it's not all about you. Pretty good advice if you ask us.
Quote #7
Barry asked me to come home with him to see if I could help him rig up a burglar alarm for his room because he has a bunch of little sisters and stepsisters who get into his stuff. (50.1)
Barry's house is the opposite of Leigh's, filled with annoying little sisters and lots of commotion. He loves hanging out just with Leigh at Leigh's house. Guess it's all relative, if you'll excuse the pun.
Quote #8
"Too many lonely days and nights not knowing where you were, too much waiting for phone calls you forgot to make because you were whooping it up at some truck stop," said Mom. (50.36)
Leigh's not the only one in the family who's felt isolated and lonely.
Quote #9
That made me happy. It helps to have a friend. (55.3)
There's this reality TV series called Alone where they leave 10 big, strong people alone in the Canadian wilderness, one by one. There are bears, and the people are really hungry, but what often makes them go home is being totally isolated from people. People weren't made to live alone, and when Leigh finally finds a friend to ease the loneliness, we cheer for him.