How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"Now we must find new homes for our other friends," Willbury said. "I want Fish, Shoe, and Egg to look after the little boxtroll, and Titus, you're in charge of the tiny cabbagehead." (11.48)
Willbury is so into his friendships with the underlings that as soon as some new underlings enter his care, he's all about assigning them buddies. It makes sense, given that the new tiny boxtroll and cabbagehead seem frightened upon arrival. We're just noticing that Willbury seems really into the idea of caring for his friends, and making sure they have both the physical and emotional resources that they need.
Quote #5
He looked at the children. "I don't think I have any friends." (12.6)
Aw, poor Arthur. While walking and talking with Willbury, he asks about what normal children do. Apparently playing with friends is on the list, leading Arthur to think that because he's grown up isolated from other children, he doesn't have any friends. Luckily we see Arthur getting to make friends over the course of the book, starting with Willbury and the boxtrolls, and progressing to include a whole bunch of other characters.
Quote #6
"Good morning, Marjorie," said Willbury. "How are you? I would like you to meet a good friend of mine, Arthur." (14.54)
See? Arthur has more friends than he thinks. Willbury introduces him as not only a friend, but a good friend. That counts for something, right? Like, yeah, Willbury feels obligated to help Arthur get underground so he can go home to Grandfather, but they also seem to share a connection. Then again, as we're seeing, Willbury considers a lot of people to be his friends.