How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
The funny thing is, although I'm embarrassed at getting caught, I don't feel all that bad about climbing the Ten-legged One. What's the big deal? Nobody got hurt. Except Henry, and that was his own fault. (20.53)
This book raises all sorts of big life questions that can be answered a number of ways. Do you agree with Jason's assessment here? What constitutes doing something wrong—being told you have done so, or feeling like you have?
Quote #8
Of course, I know it was Henry's stooges—the Choots—who spray-painted the Ten-legged One. But I'm not going to rat them out. (27.15)
There is no love lost between Jason and the stooges. Why do you think he doesn't tell the police it must have been them who did the graffiti? We think it could be out of loyalty to Henry, but also because Jason is in the process of questioning and rejecting the rules around him.
Quote #9
"Look, I didn't do it, okay? Last time I was up there I nearly drowned, and Henry got all busted up, and they're making us pay for replacing all the water and I'm grounded for the rest of my natural life. Believe me, the view wasn't worth it. I'm not the mad graffiti climber you take me for. […] I'm telling you the truth. I've climbed my last tower." (27.19)
Jason initially said he doesn't feel bad about climbing the tower—just embarrassed about getting caught. Here all the consequences have caught up to him. How often do we follow rules or the law out of fear of consequences, instead of it just being the right thing to do?