Go Ask Alice Dissatisfaction Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

I wouldn't hurt them physically or emotionally, how then can people so consistently do it to me? Even my parents treat me like I'm stupid and inferior and ever short. I guess I'll never measure up to anyone's expectations. I surely don't measure up to what I'd like to be. (2.1)

Do you think Alice's parents really think she's stupid and inferior? Or do you think the fact that Alice hasn't lived up to her own expectations is coloring her perception of her self-image?

Quote #2

I haven't written for about a week because nothing of interest has happened. The same old dumb teachers teaching the same old dumb subjects in the same old dumb school. I seem to be losing interest in everything. (5.2)

One of the main symptoms of depression is the inability to enjoy things that used to bring you pleasure. We'd say that based on this entry, Alice falls solidly in the "too depressed to function" category.

Quote #3

I don't know why she can't let me live my own life. She doesn't like it when I look like a cow, neither does anybody else, I don't even like myself. (14.2)

It's really not a good sign when you can't even like yourself. Alice is experimenting with anorexia because it's a way she can assert some semblance of control over a life where she feels powerless. Unfortunately, her dissatisfaction with herself leads to much worse things than a bout of extreme dieting.