How we cite our quotes: (Act.Line)
Quote #1
WINNIE
—no no—mustn't complain—so much to be thankful for— (1.1)
We're going to go out on a limb and suggest that Winnie's perseverance is a direct result of her ability to ignore the situation she finds herself in. How's that for a double-edged sword?
Quote #2
WINNIE
the happy day to come when flesh melts at so many degrees and the night of the moon has so many hundred hours. That is what I find so comforting when I lose heart and envy the brute beast. (1.7)
First of all, who is the brute beast? Could it be God? What does it mean that Winnie and Willie persevere only to look forward to a day that sounds ultimately painful and miserable? It's almost as though Winnie is able to persevere only because she knows death will one day come.
Quote #3
WINNIE
Days perhaps when you hear nothing. But days too when you answer. (1.7)
For Winnie, getting Willie to respond is a small victory, though considering her predicament, communication could be said to be a triumph in itself. Plus, pairing a negative thought with a positive is a sure fire away to not get stuck thinking about all the doom and gloom in your life. Winnie really is quite the eternal optimist.