How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"Besides, in Europe, money buys everything. But with us, it's family that counts. Family."
That was another true fact. I let it soak into Louise and Beatrice. (1.38-39)
With Helena there's no question about it: family is the most important thing. Ever. So from the start of the book, she lets us know that her mice family is number one on her priority list.
Quote #2
We are Mice, and as Mother used to say, we are among the very First Families of the land. We were here before the squirrels. (1.46)
Family in this book isn't just about brothers and sisters—it's about countries, too. The Cranston mice are a pretty old family, so they've seen a ton of America's history unfold. When Helena's mom says that they're one of the "First Families," this means the Cranston mice have been on American soil for a really long time, a fact that makes Helena super proud.
Quote #3
Of course, we're all family. They were Cranstons Upstairs. We were Cranstons down here. But nothing good comes of too much mixing. (4.8)
Helena sure is protective of her family. Louise has been visiting Camilla at night, and Helena doesn't like it one bit. What do you think of the way Helena talks about her family here? On the one hand, it's pretty sweet that she thinks the mice and humans are all Cranstons together; but then again, she also doesn't want "too much mixing." What do you make of this contradiction?