How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
After digging all day, he didn't have the strength to try to teach Zero to read and write. He needed to save his energy for the people who counted. (18.21)
Now that he's moving up in the world of D tent (thanks to his big lipstick tube find), Stanley doesn't want to waste his strength on someone less powerful than him. Why do you think Zero doesn't count to Stanley at this point? Who exactly are "the people who counted?"
Quote #8
A rattlesnake lay coiled beneath his foot. Its tail was pointing upward, rattling.
Stanley backed his leg away, then turned and ran.
The rattlesnake didn't chase after him. It had rattled its tail to warn him to stay away.
"Thanks for the warning," Stanley whispered as his heart pounded.
The rattlesnake would be a lot more dangerous if it didn't have a rattle. (21.10-14)
Let's take a quick step back: Stanley runs into this snake right after the whole nail-scratching episode with the Warden and Mr. Sir. Do you think the two encounters have anything to do with each other? The way Shmoop sees it, both of these moments show us how a lot of a person's power comes from the threat of what they might do, rather than the certainty of what they will do.
Quote #9
"You thirsty, Caveman?" Mr. Sir asked.
"Yes, Mr. Sir," Stanley said, handing his canteen to him.
Mr. Sir opened the nozzle, and the water flowed out of the tank, but it did not go into Stanley's canteen. Instead, he held the canteen right next to the stream of water.
Stanley watched the water splatter on the dirt, where it was quickly absorbed by the thirsty ground. (24.21-24)
This seems extraordinarily mean and inhumane, to boot. Why is Mr. Sir punishing Stanley this way when Stanley isn't the one who scratched him? What does he gain by punishing this kid for something he had no control over?