How we cite our quotes: (Page Number)
Quote #1
Although all the people in town talked about her in whispers, they all went to see her if they had troubles. (7)
So…are these people serious hypocrites or what? Is it possible to both talk about someone in whispers and accept them as part of the community, or is Strega Nona destined to always be an outsider?
Quote #2
But Strega Nona was getting old, and she needed someone to help her keep her little house and garden, so she put up a sign in the town square. (9)
The town square! The hub of community activity. What other things seem to be going on in the town square when Strega Nona places her notice?
Quote #3
Big Anthony did his work and Strega Nona met with the people who came to see her for headaches and husbands and warts. (11)
Because she can rely on Big Anthony to help her out, Strega Nona is able to keep helping out the rest of the villagers. This is community at its finest!
Quote #4
The next day when Big Anthony went to the town square to fetch the water, he told everyone about the pasta pot. (14)
It's because Big Anthony wants to be valued and accepted in the community that he tells everyone about Strega Nona's magic pot. Unfortunately, no one believes him. If anything, his status in the community sinks lower.
Quote #5
"Everyone get forks and plates and platters and bowls. Pasta for all at Strega Nona's house. Big Anthony has made the magic pasta pot work." (17)
Okay, so Big Anthony broke the rule about touching the magic pasta pot. At least he wants to share the food with his community! Yeah, yeah, we know. He may just be trying to impress everyone and show them how cool he is. Still…the sharing is nice. Right?