Eleven Family Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)

Quote #7

"Rachel," Mrs. Price says. She says it like she's getting mad. "You put that sweater on right now and no more nonsense." "But it's not—" "Now!" Mrs. Price says. (15-17)

Unaware of Rachel's feelings, Mrs. Price pushes the issue and forces Rachel to wear her shame. Literally. This makes Mrs. Price a perfect foil for Rachel's parents, as well as a perfect candidate for Worst Teacher of the Year award.

Quote #8

That's when everything I've been holding in since this morning, since when Mrs. Price put the sweater on my desk, finally lets go, and all of a sudden I'm crying in front of everybody. I wish I was invisible but I'm not. (19)

Remember that earlier in the story, Rachel's mother was free to cry without fear of judgment. Away from the safety of family, Rachel is offered no such luxury, and she thinks the experience is super humiliating.

Quote #9

I take [the sweater] off right away and give it to [Phyllis], only Mrs. Price pretends like everything's okay. (20)

Although Rachel has been cleared of the alleged shame of owning the sweater, Mrs. Price won't admit she is any less wrong, and since she's the social elite, she doesn't really have to. No one's going to push the matter. Talk about unfair.