Eleven Passivity Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)

Quote #7

Except when math period ends Mrs. Price says loud and in front of everybody "Now, Rachel, that's enough," because she sees I've shoved the red sweater to the tippy-tip corner of my desk and it's hanging all over the edge like a waterfall, but I don't care. (14)

It's striking how different Rachel is in her mind than the passive Rachel displayed in her words. Rachel's thoughts and actions are defiant; she loses herself in her inability to express that defiance.

Quote #8

"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)

The ability to command is also through voice, and Mrs. Price has got that trick down.

Quote #9

My face all hot and spit coming out of my mouth because I can't stop the little animal noises from coming out of me, until there aren't any more tears left in my eyes […]. (19)

Of course, something has got to give. In a way, crying is a vocalization. It's like all her silence just gave way and her voice forces its way out. But when you're in class, this is a much more humiliating way of getting your point across.