How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
And he knew what it was that had leaped upon him to stay and would not run away now. I'm alive, he thought. (2.55-56)
Doug experiences his epiphany that he's alive as a thing hunting him down in the woods, and it leaps upon him in the form of his brother jumping on him and punching him (playfully?) in the face. The pain of Tom hitting him makes him realize that he wants to feel everything, even discomfort.
Quote #2
I want to feel all there is to feel, he thought. Let me feel tired, now, let me feel tired. I mustn't forget, I'm alive, I know I'm alive, I mustn't forget it tonight or tomorrow or the day after that. (2.79)
It's pretty brave of Doug to immediately embrace the feelings that aren't necessarily positive—being tired, for example. Of course, we know he's eventually going to have to embrace feeling sad, or at least learn to deal with it before it destroys them.
Quote #3
"I'm alive," said Douglas. "But what's the use? They're more alive than me. How come? How come?" (4.14)
These are Doug's thoughts when he realizes his friends are outrunning him. Immediately afterward, he realizes it's because they have better shoes. Do material objects always contribute to our quality of life? And do speed, talent, or intelligence make a person more alive than someone slower, less talented, or less intelligent?