How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
He wasn't crazy about Mom's job. Specifically, her elevating her own status from Wife and Mother to More Significant Other. Not that he was sexist or anything, just boring and conventional. (2.34)
If outside social conventions are harsh, then things are even worse in the O'Neill household. Regan's dad pretty much wants a 1950s family complete with a housewife and a son who plays baseball.
Quote #2
"Why is it my job?" I flared. Forget what I said about him not being sexist. "I hate to cook. Let Liam do it if he wants to. He's a better—" (2.72)
Even though Liam is probably the better cook in the family, he's not allowed to help Regan with her chores because it wouldn't be gender appropriate. Maybe dear old dad would prefer to make himself a sandwich?
Quote #3
The gender scales didn't extend equidistant in both directions. For example, if you were a girl you could be off-the-scale feminine and that'd be fine, but if you acted or felt just a little too masculine, you were a dyke. (6.28)
Teenagers already have a hard enough time figuring out who they are without the added stress of having to worry about whether they fit inside gender norms enough to keep dominant society happy.
Quote #4
A shroud of darkness descended over me. I don't know why I thought it'd be different. He'd be different. Someone as cool as him? All he had to do was cross the threshold of Horizon High to be instantly absorbed by Them. The ones with shape, form, matter. They Who Mattered. (8.39)
Yikes—the social hierarchy in high school can be pretty difficult to overcome. Poor Regan thinks that she doesn't have a shot with Chris because he's one of the "cool" kids. Can she ever have that kind of social power?
Quote #5
Mom shrieks," Why didn't you tell me? You know I've been here for the last hour making lunches. I'm always in here at the same time every day making lunches. That's all I ever do. Cook for you, clean for you, take care of the kids…" (15.65)
Regan's mom may be the perfect cookie cutter wife and mother to her husband, but that's not what she wants to be at all. She wants to have a career and do something with her life, not just conform to what the ideal housewife should be.
Quote #6
"I don't think the American dream quite lived up to their expectations." There was that word again – expectations. "I don't know," I went on. "They seem… disillusioned. Like they're just going through the motions, you know?" (18.106)
The O'Neill parents have this perfect future planned out that fits into American society's standards, but it doesn't seem to be doing them that much good. Maybe they should have followed their hearts instead.
Quote #7
He'd said it himself: he was wrong. He didn't fit. And there was nothing I could do—nothing anyone could do—to make him right. (19.65)
Trying to overcome societal pressures is something that Luna will have to do on her own. Even if Regan wants to help, Luna may never fit in and has to face this fact solo.
Quote #8
Dad's face registered… what? Denial? Revulsion? "What. Are. You." His tone of voice made me shrink in fear. (24.31)
You'd think that Luna would be safe from societal expectations at home, but things are even worse when their dad finds out that he's got a transgender kid. Instead of being understanding about it, he acts with fear and revulsion.
Quote #9
"You're not leaving this house dressed like that. You look like a… a clown. Go downstairs and change." (24.44)
Their dad is even more worried when Luna makes a move to go outside. It's one thing to have Luna walking around the house, but it's a whole other story if she's going to go outside and potentially expose their family. Good to know Dad has his priorities in order.
Quote #10
"I'm just saying. I don't have a problem with… you know." (25.46)
All this time Regan's been way too worried about Chris's reaction to Luna. Instead of acting like she's a weirdo or a freak, Chris simply says that he doesn't care. It really doesn't matter to him how Luna presents gender-wise.