How we cite our quotes: Act.Scene.Line
Quote #1
Lee: You may not know it but I did a little art myself once. I fooled around with it. No future in it. (1.1.59-60)
It's pretty smooth how Lee manages to belittle Austin's chosen profession while also demonstrating that he could have done it too if he wanted to.
Quote #2
Lee: I don't need your permission do I? (1.1.86)
Austin tells Lee he can stay at their mom's house for as long as Austin is there. Lee's reaction, not surprisingly, is to point out that his brother has no say in what he does. It's just a little one-upmanship on Lee's part. It's something he's pretty good at.
Quote #3
Lee: Yer not gonna' have to worry about me! I've been doin' all right without you. (1.1.118-119)
The brothers spend a lot of their time trying to prove that one would be fine without the other—that they can survive on their own. Yet, as the play progresses, each one consistently needs something from the other. No so independent now, are we?