How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"Christian!" […] Kills his baby and that’s what you call him." (18.14)
Well, we know who Lucy blames. But she feels guilt too, probably. She’s sensitive enough to remember that this happened after her encounter with him that Sunday. It’s not immediately clear why this would make her feel guilty, but we can intuit it.
Quote #8
Immersed in hate he doesn’t have to do anything; he can be paralyzed, and the rigidity of hatred makes a kind of a shelter for him. (20.18)
Hate is probably not the healthiest way to deal with guilt. But when the pain is that bad, it’s hard to know what to do. We want to feel better but we also want to punish ourselves.
Quote #9
"You’re Mr. Death himself. You’re not nothing, you’re worse than nothing. You’re not a rat, you don’t stink, you’re not enough to stink." (20.72)
Ruth’s and Rabbit’s is a bittersweet reunion. She’s deeply hurt by being left (even though she faulted him before for staying) and is deeply threatened by what happened. Ruth feels guilty, too. Ultimately she wants to be with him, but would her guilt and blame color their relationship?