Find quotes from this novel, with commentary from Shmoop. Pick a theme below to begin.
Friendship Quotes
"Well, Arthur, are you a friend of Fish's?" the old man asked. […] The boxtroll holding Arthur's hand turned to him, squeezed his hand, and made a happy gurgling sound. (5.13-14)
Technology and Modernization Quotes
"Now, boy, give me those wings of yours. I am very interested in contraptions. Take 'em off now! Now!" Snatcher ordered. (4.25)
Memory and the Past Quotes
"But why do you live underground?" Willbury asked in a puzzled voice. Arthur paused for a few moments. "I'm… I'm not really sure. Grandfather always tells me he'll explain when I'm older." (5.51-52)
Rules and Order Quotes
"Well!" said Willbury, rather sternly. "I don't think I approve at all. Our friends the boxtrolls have a rather strange attitude toward ownership." (5.34)
Appearances Quotes
He was dressed very oddly. In addition to the helmet, he wore a large vest knitted from soft rope, which reached the ground, and under that a short one-piece suit made from old sugar sacks. His fee...
Family Quotes
"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...
Manipulation Quotes
"Well, I'm not getting on, and I'll blame you two if we get in trouble for getting left behind," said the face at the front. "All right then!" said the rider with a pout. (2.12-13)
Courage Quotes
Arthur put the doll away and wound his wings again. Here at last was a chance for some real adventure. (3.23)