How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
He often wondered how life could be so perilous for the people, even though his father had told him that the new government was a "people's government." (1.7)
We have the same question, Alex old buddy. There's no debating that the Soviet government abuses its power in some pretty horrible ways—like straight-up kidnapping entire families, for example. Does that sound like good leadership to you? Oh man, we hope not.
Quote #2
Alex understood that the Czar had been selfish and cruel and that was why there had been a revolution and civil war, but then why wasn't it better now? (1.7)
For the Russian people, this was like going from the frying pan into the fire. Although the Czar (the Russian king) certainly abused his power over his citizens, the Soviet government isn't much better. In fact, we could easily argue that these new bosses are even worse, if you believe it.
Quote #3
"If you live your life in an orderly and honest way, be obedient, do your work well, and mind your own business, you will prosper." (1.8)
This is what the Soviet government wants its citizens to think, but it's simply not true. After all, look at Alex's family: They were decent, hard-working people, but they got snatched up in the middle of the night just the same. That doesn't sound like "prospering" to us.