How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"I pray for Mother, and for myself, and for the world," Cousin Eunice said. "This morning, I shall pray for you, and for your poor mother."
Dicey felt uncomfortable. "Thank you," she said. Was that what you were supposed to say to somebody who was praying for you? (1.10.11-12)
What are you supposed to say, indeed? Cousin Eunice may be devout, but she also uses her faith as a bit of a status symbol; it's a way for her to gain praise and kudos for being so holy. Here she is fishing for spiritual compliments from Dicey.
Quote #5
The girls said—you know how silly some people are—that I was a saint to take you in, that anybody else would turn you over to social services. But I said, I can't do that, they're my own flesh and blood. Which in a way you are, you know." (1.10.186)
Wow. Sure, Eunice agrees that this comment is "silly," but we get the feeling she also secretly thinks it's true. She's so kind and loving and Christ-like. Like a saint in training, right?
Quote #6
"The family is not Catholic, you know."
Dicey nodded. He kept bringing that up. (1.11.24-25)
Again, religious belonging is like a status symbol. Dicey doesn't really care at all about people's religion, but folks seem really worried about hers. This is just another way the Tillermans are outside of society's rules.