How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #1
But this is not new. It is standard and barely noticeable to have to strain to be heard. (44)
Okay Will, we get that you're feeling unnoticed and unimportant. But who among us can compete with and be heard above a power saw in a woodshop? Just saying…
Quote #2
He won't come near. He cannot. He is afraid, and will allow you to go there rather than risk reaching out and being pulled all the way under. (650)
Will begins to see his grandfather's weakness, and that he might be a man afraid to show his true feelings. He keeps distance from Will because he's afraid of how emotional he might get if he comes close.
Quote #3
It is admirable that you don't want to take pills. But do you want to be admired, or do you want the pain to stop? (1054)
Will equates not taking medication with some kind of strength of character. But isn't it actually braver to admit that there is a problem and ask for help? After all, then he's actually taking care of himself.
Quote #4
No shame. There is no shame. You take your pills. (1057)
Will is finally ready to stop feeling ashamed of his condition. Depression is serious business, and it is not a reflection of strength of character. Everyone needs help sometimes.
Quote #5
It is exactly then that you become aware of the lightness of being you, the physical near nothingness of it. You are a massive inflatable parade character. (1101)
Will often sees himself as a ghost, barely visible—as if he is thin, weak, and unimportant. He feels as though he could just float away.
Quote #6
When we give up, we often give up collectively. (1194)
What do you think giving up collectively looks like? Can you think of a situation where a group of people have given up together?
Quote #7
If you could be her, you could be all right. She works properly. She flows. (1200)
Lots of people, including Angela, look functional from the outside. The thing is, though, as Will often points out, you never really know what someone really thinks or feels.
Quote #8
You could just about lift him off his feet […] Stay out of my f***ing water. Run home to mommy […] He listens. He runs. (1446)
Here Will stands up to the caller dude, and takes pleasure in the fear he inspires. It's only one of many forms of strength, but Will is definitely feeling pretty capable right about now.
Quote #9
"Comes a time when somebody needs somebody else to pull his wagon for him." (1354)
Will struggles with the idea of charity and with asking for help. But soon he discovers that not only does everyone need a hand from time to time, but it isn't really charity when it's done by someone who loves us.
Quote #10
Time is not pulling you under. Time is building you up. (1465)
In other words, Will isn't getting weaker—he's getting stronger. Now if only he can remember this…
Quote #11
You feel as if you're built of rusty wrought iron. You feel as if you are approaching the finish line of a race you have been running nonstop for a year. (1479)
All this time Will's felt like he's just stumbling along, but here he is starting to feel like a contender instead of a loser. Yay.