How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Then they began to construct the story that they would tell their acquaintances and those relatives who were not close or whose prejudices did not allow for mental hospitals in the family [...] the look of the place would have to change in the telling and the high, hard scream that they had heard from one of the barred windows as they left, and that had made them shiver and grit their teeth, would have to be expunged. (2.11)
Jacob and Ester construct a cover story about Deborah that they will use when talking to people in their social circle. They'll also use it the family members who would freak out at the mere mention of a mental hospital. When Deborah eventually goes home to visit, she sees how her parents lied to all these people about the truth of her illness and it hinders her progress. How would these kinds of lies make you feel?
Quote #2
Again the transparent lie about the doll. What terrible scorn they had had to give that lie so often! […] the doctor's face was heavy with anger and her voice full of indignation for the five-year-old who stood before them both. "Those damn fools! When will they learn not to lie to children!" (6.10-12)
The doctors who operate on Deborah when she's five tell her she's in Dreamland instead of being honest with her and explaining that she's in a hospital, and that they are going to perform and operation to remove a tumor from her urethra. Instead, they tell her they are going to put her "doll" to sleep and that it won't hurt. Um, ew.
Even at five, Deb is cognizant enough to know that her vagina and urethra are not a doll, and she's insulted not only by the euphemism but also by the searing pain she feels after she has assured nothing will hurt. This is the beginning of Deborah's hatred for lying of any kind. Dr. Fried is upset just hearing Deborah tell this story, and that's one of the reasons Deborah grows to trust and respect Dr. Fried.
Quote #3
Deborah suddenly knew what was good about D ward: no more lying gentility or need to live according to the incomprehensible rules of Earth. (7.7)
When Deborah gets to D ward, she senses there's something good there, but she can't put her finger on what it is at first. Then she realizes that what's good about D ward is the fact that no one hides or lies about their illness there. It's all out in the open.