How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
When I took the cities book back the librarian was still smiling. She said, "I'll bet you've been dying to know what your surprise is, haven't you?"
I lied. "Yes, Ma'am." (9.18)
Sometimes Bud lies to be polite. Huh? How could it be polite to lie? Well, he figures it would hurt the librarian's feelings if he wasn't super excited about her surprise. Is that a different kind of lie, or are all lies kind of bad?
Quote #8
The man said, "Where's home, Bud?" Then another jolt of red pop must've pumped through my heart because my brain came up with a perfect lie. "I ran away from Grand Rapids, sir." See how perfect the lie was? Maybe this guy would feel sorry for me and put me on a bus to Grand Rapids and I wouldn't have to do any more doggone walking. (10.68-71)
One thing that Bud, Not Buddy shows is that life for a kid on the run is scary and that to survive, you have to have wits. Bud's plan to trick this guy into taking him where he wants to go is brilliant. Is Bud right to do it?
Quote #9
I had to stop and think, it's one thing to lie to a grown-up, most times adults want to hear something that lets them take their attention off you and put it on something else. That makes it easy and not too bad to lie to them. You're really just giving them what they want. (11.124)
Hmmm, this comment is so mature and wise and kind of sad (for adults) that we don't know what to think about it. Is it true? Do adults want to be lied to so they don't have to deal with problems? Why does Bud think that?