How we cite our quotes: (Page Number)
Quote #1
"Anthony, […] you must sweep the house and wash the dishes. You must weed the garden and pick the vegetables. You must feed the goat and milk her. And you must fetch the water. For this, I will give you three coins and a place to sleep and food to eat." (10)
Now that's a clear job description. It's easy to see that Strega Nona is someone who values clear rules and order.
Quote #2
"The one thing you must never do," said Strega Nona, "is touch the pasta pot. It is very valuable and I don't let anyone touch it!" (10)
There aren't a lot of exclamation points in this book, so we know Strega Nona takes this rule very seriously.
Quote #3
And so the days went by. Big Anthony did his work and Strega Nona met with the people who came to see her […]. Big Anthony had a nice bed to sleep in next to the goat shed, and he had food to eat. (11)
When everyone is following the rules, everything stays in order and life moves along pleasantly and easily.