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

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

"That's right. You might, but most people wouldn't. Well, if this statue is by Michelangelo, it's worth about $2,250,000 instead of $225. That's the same as saying that suddenly two and a quarter cents is $225." (4.49)

Geez. Talk about getting some bang for your buck. If the museum really did get the statue for $225 when it was worth millions, then they'd be getting the best deal since Groupon came along.

Quote #5

"Someone very rich must have tossed in this quarter," Jamie whispered.

"Someone very poor," Claudia corrected. "Rich people have only penny wishes." (5.96-97)

It's interesting to think of what it means to be rich. Does it equal happiness or fulfillment? Here, Claudia seems to think that rich people don't have that much to work for, so they toss smaller coins in the fountain. Poor people toss in bigger coins. It's a high stakes kind of wish for the poor.

Quote #6

Paying four dollars and fifty cents for empty space had been hard on Jamie. Claudia knew they wouldn't take a bus back to the museum. They didn't. (7.25)

It's kind of a bummer when you think of how much money we have to pay for empty space. P.O. boxes, rent… seriously, if we can't eat or play with it, how is it worth anything?