How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Her happiness did not last. No sooner had she learned to smack the ball smartly on the steps, angling it right or left, than the other players revolted. Nobody wanted the Chinese on his team. (4.17)
Shirley gets into a game of stickball, but the other kids don't keep her in the loop for long. She might not be a good player quite yet—after all, she's just learned how to play—so everyone else shuns her. Ugh. Fitting in is hard.
Quote #5
Shirley blushed. She could not get used to the American custom of receiving compliments with a simple thank you. It seemed so… impolite. But the Chinese way only confused people. (5.4)
Even such simple things as common courtesies are really different from culture to culture. Shirley's had a few "lost in translation" moments since moving to America, but she's becoming more conscious of what's acceptable in which culture. She's embodying both cultural definitions of compliment reception.
Quote #6
Shirley considered fleeing. But emperors do not flee, and had a teacher not stepped through the school door at exactly that moment, one puny Chinese surely would have died right there and crossed over the Yellow Springs to greet her ancestors. (5.14)
When Mabel beats Shirley up, Shirley considers running away, but doesn't do so because a teacher breaks up the fight. Besides, she has the honor of her family to consider. That Chinese tradition of courage keeps her in good stead and convinces her to not tattle on Mabel, which earns her the other girl's respect and friendship. Yay for universal values earning American friendship.