How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Mr. Fluke turned to me. "Mary Alice, is it? Down from Chicago?" Everybody in this town knew everything about you. They knew things that hadn't even happened yet. (1.41)
Mary Alice feels like a fish out of water, but apparently everyone in this tiny town already knows her business. It's a bit unnerving to find out that she's been the topic of conversation when she doesn't know these people at all.
Quote #2
"I'll make ya welcome," Mildred rasped. She made a big fist and showed it to me, under the desk. "Rich Chicago girl."
I sighed. "If I was rich, I wouldn't be here." (1.67-68)
Mary Alice certainly does not get a warm welcome when she starts school in Grandma Dowdel's small town—especially from Mildred Burdick, who seems to hate her right away.
Quote #3
Anybody who thinks small towns are friendlier than big cities lives in a big city. Except for Ina-Rae Gage, they were all giving me a wide berth. The leader of the girls was clearly Carleen Lovejoy, the grain dealer's daughter. She was about as stuck-up as could be...I was still spending my school days on the sidelines. (2.39)
None of the girls at school—except for Ina-Rae Gage—take to Mary Alice. In fact, she finds herself feeling quite lonesome as they all keep away from her and refuse to accept her into their inner circles. Is this typical? How have you seen new students get treated? Have you ever been a new student?