From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler Dissatisfaction Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

A reason that had to do with the sameness of each and every week. She was bored with simply being straight-A's Claudia Kinkaid. She was tired of arguing about whose turn it was to choose the Sunday night seven-thirty television show, of injustice, and of the monotony of everything. (1.4)

Talk about ennui. Though she's only twelve, Claudia is already tired and jaded about her entire life and the day-to-day sameness of all of it.

Quote #2

She was certain that her allowance was the smallest in her class. And most of the other sixth graders never lost part of their pay since they had full-time maids to do the chores instead of a cleaning lady only twice a week. (1.8)

Oh, the trials and tribulations of Claudia Kinkaid. The poor girl doesn't have a full-time maid at home (the travesty!) and makes a whole lot less allowance money, supposedly. Talk about first-world problems.

Quote #3

Claudia had always known that she was meant for such fine things. (3.52)

Claudia never claimed to be modest. After all, she's an elegant, refined, smart girl, so shouldn't she be living in extreme wealth, too?