How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Our happiness is the closest we'll ever come to a generous God, so we figure Tony's parents would understand, if only they weren't set on misunderstanding so many things. (1.1)
Do Tony's parents see God as generous? Does that generosity supply their happiness in the same way their money (indirectly) supplies Tony's?
Quote #2
Tony hesitates—he isn't much of a dancer. But as I've told him a million times, when it comes to true dancing, it doesn't matter what you look like—it's all about the joy you feel. (1.10)
Same with true painting, as Paul finds out later. At what point is feeling joyous not enough to make self-expression beautiful? Will someone who can't dance always appear beautiful doing it, provided they love it enough?
Quote #3
More than anything in this strange life, I want Tony to be happy. We found out a long time ago that we weren't meant to fall in love with each other. But a part of me still fell in hope with him. I want a fair world. And in a fair world, Tony would shine. (1.57)
Tony's parents' unhappiness—if not across the board, then at least with him—prevents him from feeling happiness of his own. And if the previous quote is true, someone who isn't happy can never shine.