How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"You will be like a family of my own. If I'd had a daughter, she might be just your age. You'll grow up and have children of your own. So that when I'm older, I won't be alone. Just as Mother wasn't alone. In a way, I'm glad about this. Aren't you? And you children will have a good mother."
We already have a good mother, Dicey said angrily to herself. (1.11.178-179)
Cousin Eunice may be a relative, but she's not the kind of family Dicey and her siblings need. Sure, their mom might be negligent, but they aren't looking for a replacement for her. And, of course, Eunice just can't help but make this all about her.
Quote #5
"Why do Tillermans always live alone?"
"We don't. We live together."
"Together, but all alone together," James said.
"Maybe every family feels that way," Dicey said. "Maybe that's what families are."
"I don't know," James said. "I don't think so."
This is a really interesting exchange. People are alone, but they live together. Dicey wonders if loneliness isn't just part of life. But, James isn't so sure—maybe their family is unique in being so messed up. There may be a chance for them yet.
Quote #6
"We can't stay here, you said so. So there's no point in hanging around. I've got my family to get back to."
"I said sleep. There's no reason not to sleep here, is there?"
"Yes," Dicey said. "I think there is." Why should James and Maybeth and Sammy have to be disappointed.
"I'm family too," her grandmother said. (2.8.26-29)
Dicey has an obligation to her family, but as Abigail points out, she's family, too. Hmmm… we'll see how this turns out.