How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
“Filth, filth, filth, from morning to night. I know they’re poor but they could wash. Water is free and soap is cheap. Just look at that arm, nurse.” (16.16)
Ok, doc, let’s take a little look at where you went wrong here. First of all, poor kids aren’t dirty because their parents are too lazy to wash them; they are too busy working several jobs, so they don’t always have time to keep kids from making mud pies. Secondly, don't say all this right in front of your patient. We assume that you only did so because you assume that poor = stupid, but we're here to let you know that Francie is one of the smartest kids in all five boroughs. In short, we don't like you or your classist attitude.
Quote #5
A person who pulls himself up from a low environment via the bootstrap route has two choices. Having risen from his environment, he can forget it; or, he can rise above it and never forget it and keep compassion and understanding in his heart for those he has left behind him in the cruel upclimb. The nurse had chosen the forgetting way. (16.22)
People forget what it is like to be poor. Those who leave poverty are often quick to lose any kind of compassion or empathy for those who still struggle, which is too bad because these are people who are in a great position to help.
Quote #6
When the needle jabbed, Francie never felt it. The waves of hurt stated by the doctor’s words were racking her body and drove out all other feeling. (16.23)
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. What kind of schmoop is that, huh? Fact is, words hurt, and they hurt even more coming from someone who is in a position of authority.