How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter)
Quote #1
[Lorraine:] The analysts would call his family the source problem or say he drinks and smokes to assert his independence. (2)
Lorraine raises an interesting question: is John's family actually responsible for his behavior?
Quote #2
[Lorraine:] Actually, we both have families you wouldn't believe, but I don't particularly feel like going into it at the moment because I just ate lunch in the cafeteria. (2)
This passage appears early in the novel, before we know very much about Lorraine's and John's families. Is Lorraine's humorous comment about just having eaten lunch perhaps a defense?
Quote #3
[John:] Now it was just the way I said yeah that set him off, and that night when he got home, he just put the lock on the phone and didn't say a word. But I'm used to it. Bore and I have been having a lot of trouble communicating lately as it is, and sometimes I go a little crazy when I feel I'm being picked on or not being trusted. That's why I finally put airplane glue in the keyhole of the lock so nobody could use the telephone, key or no key. (3)
Here, John demonstrates a certain degree of self-knowledge: he knows how his tone sets his father off, and he realizes that his extreme reactions occur when he feels that he is being picked on. He also demonstrates his inventiveness and ability to get the last laugh.