How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
I would absorb such rejections and keep on looking, because for some reason the scholarship society and the athletic league and the yearbook staff didn't satisfy me, were never quite enough. They were too limited, or too easy, or too obvious. I wanted to declare myself in some different way, and—old enough to be marked by the internment but still too young for the full impact of it to cow me—I wanted in. (2.20.9)
Jeanne just wants to be popular, which is a pretty typical dream for a teenaged American girl. But the fact that Jeanne is willing to pursue that dream in the midst of anti-Japanese racism is a pretty radical thing. Jeanne may seem safe and conservative sometimes, but she definitely has some spunk.
Quote #8
It was almost a brilliant scheme. In 1947, no one was yet drying abalone commercially. But there was a small worm that kept attacking the drying meat. Papa could never figure out how to control it. This plan too went to pieces. (2.20.26)
Jeanne doesn't come right out and say it, but it seems like part of the problem with this plan has a lot to do with Papa. "Papa could never figure out how to control it"—What about Woody, or the other kids, or a friend? Were they given the chance to help figure things out?
Quote #9
It was a pride that Papa didn't share. While I was striving to become Miss America of 1947, he was wishing I'd be Miss Hiroshima of 1904. (2.20.23)
This is like a triple whammy of conflict between Papa and Jeanne: there's a generation gap, a gender gap, a culture gap. It's like these two are from completely different times (which they are). Note: Miss Hiroshima of 1904. Jeanne's dreams might be unattainable for other reasons, but Jeanne makes Papa's dreams for her seem ridiculously out-of-touch.