How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
But there were times when he had a thought he'd like to share with someone. With anyone. (2.10)
Some things are just better when they're shared. Period.
Quote #2
"White man leave you here?"
"Just for a while," Matt told him. "He has gone to get my mother." It did not occur to him to lie to this old man as he had to Ben. (6.8-9)
It's like Matt's gut can sense the difference between Ben and Saknis. Ben acts friendly, but only intends to steal from Matt; Saknis isn't the Big Bird of friendliness, but intends to help and heal Matt. What a great gut.
Quote #3
"Then how? There's no hole at all."
For a moment it seemed that Attean would not bother to answer. Then the Indian shrugged. "Attean show," he said. "Come."
Matt was dumfounded. It was the first sign the Indian had given of—well, of what exactly? He had not sounded friendly. […] Attean was walking across the clearing, and he apparently expected Matt to follow. (9.4-6)
Why does Attean choose to teach Matt his wilderness skills? Is he bored? Fed up with Matt's cluelessness? Or perhaps seeking a friend?
Quote #4
"Let me go on," he pleaded. "It's different from now on. Friday—that's what Robinson Crusoe named him—doesn't kneel anymore."
"Not slave?"
"No," Matt lied. "After that they get to be—well—companions. They share everything together." (9.2-4)
While Robinson Crusoe never sees his companion Friday as his equal, Matt and Attean truly become the kind of companions Matt lies about in this passage.
Quote #5
Matt licked his fingers. His resentment had vanished along with his hunger. "Golly," he said, "that was the best fish I ever ate."
"Good," said Attean. Across the fire he looked at Matt, and his eyes gleamed. He was laughing again, but somehow not with scorn. (10.35-36)
So Attean does have a soft spot deep down inside. All it took was a little compliment and a full belly to start winning him over. There's the secret, folks—now you know how to melt Attean.
Quote #6
Often Attean seemed in no hurry to leave when the morning's lesson was over. "Look see if catch rabbit," he might suggest, and together they would go out to check the snares. Or they would tramp along the creek to a good spot for fishing. (11.3)
Yay. Attean is warming up to this whole friendship thing, and though he may not be a talker, he certainly likes hanging out with Matt.
Quote #7
"Piz wat," Attean said. "Good for nothing. No good for hunt. No sense. Him fight anything—bear, moose." There was no mistaking the pride in Attean's voice. (11.13)
Attean can't hide the love he feels for his pooch. The mongrel may be a big waste of space, but Attean loves him.
Quote #8
For some reason he could not explain to himself, he trusted Attean. He didn't really like him. […] But somehow, as they had sat side by side, day after day, doing the lessons that neither of them wanted to do, something had changed. […] They didn't like each other, but they were no longer enemies. (11.22)
What changed? How could spending time together change the way they feel about one other?
Quote #9
Matt floated face down, grateful for the coolness against his burning cheeks. All at once a brown arm circled his neck and dragged him under. Squirming free, he seized a black head in both hands, and the two boys went down together. Suddenly Matt was enjoying himself. It was almost as good as being back in Quincy again. (19.17)
Part of what makes friendship super-awesome is the feeling of belonging it inspires. Matt finally feels a piece of that when he douses the Indian boys, and they include him in their games.