How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Ender spread his hands over the child-size keyboard near the edge of the desk and wondered what it would feel like to have hands as large as a grown-up's. They must feel so big and awkward, thick stubby fingers and beefy palms. (1.54)
Yes, being an adult is truly terrible (or so we’ve heard). Of course, later we’ll hear about how terrible it is to be a kid – always being told what to do, etc. But rarely in the world do we hear about how being a kid has its own advantages. This is definitely something to keep in mind. Sure, you can’t drive a car when you’re young, but maybe there are things young people can do better.
Quote #2
Like children fighting with grown-ups. (3.122)
This is how Ender thinks the humans looked fighting against the buggers during the Second Invasion – the humans didn’t do so well. It's an interesting comparison Ender is making. According to this, children are weak and don’t win against grown-ups. The rest of the book might make us reconsider that thought, though. One example is when the adults at the Battle School come up with unfair situations for Ender to battle through. Remember when Ender tells Anderson that he (the child) has beaten him (the adult)? (It’s 12.171, in case you wanted a big fat hint.)
Quote #3
"But shouldn't they still act like children? They aren't normal. They act like – history. Napoleon and Wellington. Caesar and Brutus." (7.10)
Some of the kids in Ender’s Game comment on how they’re not allowed to live normal kid lives (see below for an example of that), and some of the adults notice the same thing (like here). This is a very particular view on what makes a normal childhood – fun and games and whatever else it is that kids do. But even if we can argue about whether that sort of childhood is “normal,” we also should recognize that something is going on here with these kids.