Good Country People Life, Consciousness, and Existence Quotes

In contrast to Hulga, Mrs. Hopewell sees life in simple, clear terms. Her comment suggests that she reaches for a spirit of inclusion, but her inner thoughts tell a different story.

This is an excerpt from the passage Mrs. Hopewell finds underlined in Hulga's book. It's a quote from Martin Heidegger's work, and it takes science to task for not entertaining the possibility that "nothing"—or lack of existence—is something worth thinking about.

Manley speaks first here, then Hulga. Take a look at Hulga's analysis in the "Characters" section for an argument that Hulga does believe in God, at least some of the time. As always with Manley, though, it's hard to know what he believes. Is it possible he finds comfort in the idea of God caring for him? How might such a belief impact a person's life?

This is a classic Hulga line. Since we are shown at every turn just how much she misses, and how many illusions she has, it's meant to seem ironic and silly to the reader.

This is how Hulga feels when she lets Manley remove her leg. Her reaction shows that what she really wants out of life is to be able to trust and confide in another person.