How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"Oh… he's not my real grandfather; he just found me abandoned on the steps of the poorhouse, when I was a baby, and took me to live with him. He's raised me like he is my father, but because he's so much older than my father would be, I call him 'Grandfather.'" (5.56)
This is Arthur's account of his relationship to Grandfather. Yeah, yeah, the guy's not actually his grandfather… but family is more than blood ties, ya hear? Like, how many people do you know who would take in an abandoned infant and raise it with love and compassion? Anyone who does that is family, period.
Quote #2
Arthur decided to tell Willbury all. "I was gathering food." His face grew red, but he continued. "It's the only way we can survive. My grandfather is so frail now that I have to do it." (5.62)
Here's an example of the lengths Arthur will go to for his family: He's willing to steal. It's not pretty, but it's true. And really, Grandfather took care of Arthur when no one else would, so Arthur's obligated to do the same for Grandfather. Even if means a less-than-ideal way of gathering food.
Quote #3
"Well, I suggest you speak to your grandfather right now to let him know you are all right and that you are here," Willbury insisted. (5.73)
We don't know anything about Willbury's bio-family, but clearly he's been on this earth long enough to know that family members get worried when other members don't check in during dangerous or tense times. So we give Willbury props for insisting that Arthur get in touch with Grandfather to tell him that he's doing okay in this situation.