How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
At the store a skinny man with a big red nose welcomed her with a smile. Encouraged, she opened her mouth wide to pronounce her first English words for an American. "Rukee Sike!"
But instead of giving her the cigarettes, he rattled off a string of nonsensical sounds.
What if she couldn't make him understand? (2.115-17)
Shirley's first encounter with a strange American sets the tone for her future failures at communicating with her peers. She can't make this strange man understand what she needs and only after great effort can she eke out a purchase; then, she can't find her way home. The young optimist thinks she's more prepared than she actually is to take on the American world, but she has a lot to learn.
Quote #2
"Your teacher suggests we take you to a doctor. She thinks there is something wrong with your eyes." (3.45)
On her first day at school, Shirley couldn't understand why the principal blinked at her. She assumed it was the right thing to do, so she did it over and over again until Mrs. Rappaport thinks she's sick. Shirley intended to communicate her desire to make friends and become part of the community, but instead just confused her teacher.
Quote #3
Shirley waited for complete silence. Then, clearing her throat, she began.
At once, they were giggling. Even Mrs. Rappaport. (4.27-28)
Once again, Shirley tries to fit in with her class by reciting what she thinks is a poem like those her classmates have been assigned to speak. She doesn't understand what the task is, however, because she doesn't know what the words she's saying mean. As it turns out, Shirley recites a dialogue between cartoon characters instead of a serious poem, which causes her great embarrassment and makes her feel even more isolated than before.