How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #4
HALLY. (Correcting him without looking up) Magnitude.
SAM. What's it mean?
HALLY. How big it is. The size of the thing. (410-416)
You can see the difference in Hally's and Sam's access to education in these three little lines. Sam's twice Hally's age, but doesn't know how to pronounce the word "magnitude" or its definition. Why do you think the playwright chose that exact word to make a big deal of?
Quote #5
HALLY. Failing a maths exam isn't the end of the world, Sam. How many times have I told you that examination results don't measure intelligence?
SAM. I would say about as many times as you've failed one of them. (436-440)
Oh snap. This one-liner might be a little bit cheesy, but the point it makes is actually important. Hally's convinced that traditional educational evaluation tools (aka tests) aren't the only way to measure intelligence. It's ironic that he doesn't realize that Sam, too, has intelligence that isn't measurable by a math exam.
Quote #6
HALLY. [. . .] Tolstoy may have educated his peasants, but I've educated you. (644-645)
Okay, someone just might be getting a little too big for his britches. Hally compares himself to Leo Tolstoy, the famous Russian writer who was also into social justice and sharing his wealth. We're not convinced by the comparison, however. Hally's trying to show off his knowledge but he's just demonstrating his immaturity with this demeaning comment.