How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Tea was indeed ready, waiting on the round table in the sitting room with a bright fire burning in the cogwheel. How familiar the room seemed, and homely, but, suddenly, somehow strange. (11.2)
Have you ever returned home from a trip and for a second—just a split second—your own home looks a little unfamiliar? The house didn't change—you did. Arrietty's character has certainly grown since she went borrowing with her father, and now everything takes on a new look.
Quote #8
The firelight flickering on the wallpaper […] read: "… it would be so charming if—" If what? Arrietty always wondered. If our house were less dark, she thought, that would be charming. (11.2)
Arrietty was never really critical of her home before, but that's because she didn't know what she was missing. Now that she does, her home seems dark, cramped, and a whole lot less like home.
Quote #9
Arrietty stared at the eye. "I'm not going to tell you," she said at last bravely.
"Then I'll hit you with my ash stick!"
"All right," said Arrietty, "hit me!" (9.12-14)
You go girl. Arrietty is totally not the meek and mild girl we thought she was. She's got courage coming out her ears. Maybe all that courage comes from her new experiences outside the house, where she discovers she can stand up for herself, and do her own thing.