M.C. Higgins, the Great Men and Masculinity Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

The girl on the path ahead of him now wasn't one of them. He could see her dark skin showing beneath a light blue shirt. M.C. stalked nearer, close enough for her to hear him. Right on her heels, he gave her a low whistle, knowing he was wrong to scare her. He had a loud, screaming whistle through his teeth, just as if he was older and whistled at girls every day. (1.164)

Who needs a construction site full of whistling men when you have the woods and guys like M.C.? Anyway, clearly M.C. thinks whistling at girls is perfectly acceptable behavior for a guy, especially an older guy. He's in for a rude awakening…

Quote #5

On the other side of the house was a grape arbor, the expanse of yard and M.C.'s prize like no other. It was always his shining beacon.

Pretty thing, you.

He had won it, practicing on the Ohio River, testing his strength against strong currents every day for weeks.

He had known when he was ready. (1.179-182)

M.C.'s referring to his forty-foot pole that he won from his father after he swam across the Ohio River. This is the part where you start thinking "phallic symbol." Let's just leave it at that. Or, if you want to know more, hop on over to the "Symbolism" section.

Quote #6

What does she mean, roaming around all by her lonesome? He had to smile. He made a muscle in his arm and felt it jump up hard.

Should I go out there, scare her again? (2.28-29)

M.C.'s kind of like a cartoon of a guy here, like Popeye or something, popping arm muscles to show how manly he is. But why does he feel the need to "scare" Lurhetta? Ugh.