How we cite our quotes: (Part.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Beneath their branches, like fruit dropped from their limbs, were two irons, a golf ball, a tennis can, a baseball bat, basketball, a first baseman's glove, and what was apparently a riding crop. (2.73)
Roth uses sports in many of his novels. Sports are, for many, a big part of the American dream. For the Patimkins, it's a huge part, though Neil doesn't seem to be much of a sports fan. What about you?
Quote #5
Sitting there in the park, I felt a deep knowledge of Newark, and attachment so rooted that it could not help but branch out into affection. (3.2)
Neil is constantly showing his love for Newark (where his creator is from too, by the way). He feels comfortable and like he belongs, in contrast to the way he feels when he's on Brenda's turf.
Quote #6
Just before lunch the lion tamer came wide-eyed into the library. (3.7)
A brave child comes into the library in the middle of the summer looking to educate himself on art—now that's the American dream. Sadly, the boy could have been tossed out for being black had Neil not been there to protect his right to read.