How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
I prayed that we would not be in an accident (I was terrified of cars and buses) and that we would get there by my mother's birthday – seven days away – and that we would bring her home. (2.10)
For a thirteen year-old girl, Sal seems to have a lot of fears, especially fears about dying. She is scared of cars and traveling, just as her mom was scared of cars and traveling. But are their reasons for that fear the same?
Quote #2
I, Salamanca Tree Hiddle, was afraid of lots of things. For example, I was terrified of car accidents, death, cancer, brain tumors, nuclear war, pregnant women, loud noises, strict teachers, elevators, and scads of other things. (3.19)
Is there a common link between all of these fears that Sal has? Why does she fear these things in particular, do you think? Notice that the first things on her list all have to do with death.
Quote #3
"Her name is Mrs. Cadaver, right? Have you ever wondered what happened to Mr. Cadaver?"
"I never really thought about – "
"Well, I think I know," Phoebe said, "and it is awful, purely awful." (4.57)
It's amazing how nothing more than a woman's name can totally convince Phoebe that the woman is an axe-murderer. We later learn that Mrs. Cadaver is definitely not an axe-murder, but that she has had to cope with the death of her husband. How does this insight into Mrs. Cadaver change how you feel about her? Did you think she might have been an axe-murderer at first?