How we cite our quotes: (Chapter. Paragraph)
Quote #10
The protection she had extended over her brother had been in its origin of a fierce and indignant complexion. She had to love him with a militant love. She had battled for him—even against herself. His loss had the bitterness of defeat, with the anguish of a baffled passion. (11.65)
Here, you really get a good sense of Winnie's devotion to Stevie, and how there's a lot more to it than Stevie's brand of simple compassion. Winnie's given her whole life to Stevie and has based who she is on her ability to protect the boy. That's why, when Stevie dies, she basically dies with him. This isn't just because she loves him, but because she's based her entire life on him in a way that Conrad might not actually find healthy. Winnie is a symbol of self-sacrifice, definitely. But Conrad is a little suspicious of the long-term health benefits of self-sacrifice. Turns out that madness and despair ain't great for longevity.