How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
There were months at a time when the town had had no meat, no milk, no bread. The peasants were being forced to give up their farms, their cattle. (1.7)
When the Soviets took power in Russia, they promised to put their citizens' needs above all else. Didn't quite turn out that way, huh? It's one thing to be going through a small economic downturn—it's a whole different deal when the government is actively making life harder for regular people.
Quote #2
"Here […] give them these crusts from our luncheon. But make them say thank you. They must learn some manners if they are to advance at all." (2.27)
Of course, not everyone is broke. Although the Soviet Union claims that all citizens are equal, it's clear that there are a handful of folks who are getting along just fine. What's with that? Plus, it makes things much worse when those wealthy people are such big jerks to the less fortunate.
Quote #3
Meanwhile he watched the first-class passengers leisurely exercising themselves, chatting, drinking their tea from their own china cups. (2.29)
To put this into context, Alex and the other second-class passengers basically have to brawljust to make it to their seats. This is yet another example of the vast economic inequality that exists in the Soviet Union, with poor people being treated like second-class citizens in just about every way.
Quote #4
In a while there was a bowl of hot water for each and a piece of bread the size, Alex though, of a crust he might leave on his plate in the morning or toss to the birds. (5.1)
After going days without food, this meager snack feels more like a five-course meal. Still, it also reminds Alex of the many things he took for granted—all of the bread crusts and burnt oatmeal he threw away simply because they were too gross. At this point, he'd give his right arm for just a nibble of that oatmeal, no matter how burnt it might be.
Quote #5
Alex saw again the groups of urchins […] and he saw the expressions of revulsion and fear on the people's faces as the children passed. (6.31)
At one point, Alex was a lot like these judgmental passersby—he saw homeless kids and was frightened of them, even believing on some level that they deserve their lowly status. That opinion changed as soon as Alex ended up joining their ranks himself.
Quote #6
So now, he said to himself, I am like the urchin to whom Katriana Sergyeva gave a kopek that day so long ago. (6.84)
Now it's official: Alex is a street kid. And the experience has completely shattered his assumptions—although there are surely some unsavory figures roaming about, these so-called "urchins" are genuinely good people for the most part.
Quote #7
"It's a good day when we have two meals," Kostia said.
From the next fire, a voice growled, "It's a good day when we have one." (6.93-94)
When was the last time you ate only one meal in a day? For you're sake, we're hoping the answer is never. So next time you're complaining about the lunch your mom packed for you, just think back to this passage and chow down.
Quote #8
In the smoke and blankness of the cellar crypt, it was possible to imagine a world in which everyone was warm, everyone was fed. (6.97)
It was only a few months ago that Alex was living in the comfort of his family home without a care in the world. How times change. Now that he's stuck in the cycle of poverty, however, Alex honestly doubts whether he'll ever be able to crawl back out.
Quote #9
"That's the south for you. One kopek. Nobody has any money here." (9.54)
If you thought the poverty in Moscow was bad, just wait until you see the rural communities in the south. These places make Moscow look like Bel Air.
Quote #10
Alex felt stunned by all that had occurred. After all these months, here was a grown man taking charge of his comfort and safety. (13.22)
And just like that, Alex's ordeal is over. Still, we doubt this is an experience that he'll ever forget—in fact, we wouldn't be surprised if he ends up dedicating his life to helping others, as Peter has. At least we know he won't be turning away any bowls of burnt oatmeal anytime soon.