How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #1
Surfaces are what I don't like […] I just see myself flying above stuff. (214)
Surfaces feel safe for Will—it's what's below them that freaks him out. For more on this, check out the "Symbols" section.
Quote #2
Do you know? You're afraid you might (551)
Will is confused about this idea that he can predict what will happen and who is going to die next. It can't possibly be true… Or can it? He's not sure, and he's appropriately freaked out as a result.
Quote #3
What do you feel Will? What do you feel? Anything? (604)
Plenty of Will's fears are pretty extraordinary—like, say, disappearing gnomes—but when it comes to his feelings for Angela, his uncertainty about admitting them is pretty classic teenager behavior.
Quote #4
Are you all right, she asks in that warm and woolly tone between fondness and fear. (624)
Will's grandmother is checking up on him, just to make sure he's still there. Why do you think having people worry about him is one of Will's pet peeves?
Quote #5
You could make it better, if only a little better, but you still don't. Why not? Why don't you want it better? (626)
Will finds it annoying when people treat him like he's wounded and fragile, yet he still wants to know that people worry about him. Dude is one complicated guy.
Quote #6
She wants to say no. You know she wants to say no. See how it all can hinge on the smallest thing? She could say, No, it would be unhealthy to lock yourself away with your television up there.
[…]
Why can't we do what we know we need to do? (638-641)
When the wiser side of Will interrupts his own thoughts, it's tempting to think that he's totally in charge of himself. He knows he shouldn't hole up in his room with his television, and his grandmother shouldn't let him do it, but they both agree to it anyway. Is that what only weak-willed people do, or is it part of the human condition that affects everyone equally?
Quote #7
He is afraid. And will allow you to go there rather than risk reaching out and being pulled all the way under. (650)
Will's talking about Pops here. What's Pops so afraid of? His feelings, man, his feelings.
Quote #8
Are people so afraid of what will happen that they will not risk misspeaking with you? (723)
Will sees how much people tiptoe around him. Thing is, though, he needs them to be tougher on him—which is exactly what Angela comes along and does.
Quote #9
You pull him closer to you. You feel that he is nothing. He is barely even there […] Perhaps he is a kite. (1429)
Turns out that the man who has been threatening and taunting Will is nothing, he is "barely even there." Maybe he is, or maybe this is what it feels like to have your fear slip away and to feel strong and confident.