How we cite our quotes: (Abbreviated Title.Paragraph)
Quote #1
As the cab sped down Beacon Street, he imagined a day when he and Shoba might need to buy a station wagon of their own, to cart their children back and forth from music lessons and dentist appointments. He imagined himself gripping the wheel, as Shoba turned around to hand the children juice boxes. Once, these images of parenthood had troubled Shukumar, adding to his anxiety that he was still a student at thirty-five. But that early autumn morning, the trees still heavy with bronze leaves, he welcomed the image for the first time. (ATM 9)
This memory makes the story just a little more sad because this is the first time when, as readers, we get the sense that Shukumar just might have made a pretty good father and husband. It's a sense of lost possibilities.
Quote #2
Mr. Pirzada knit his brows together. "Is there any danger?"
"No, no," my mother assured him. "All the children will be out. It's a tradition."
"Perhaps I should accompany them?" Mr. Pirzada suggested. He looked suddenly tired and small, standing there in his splayed, stockinged feet, and his eyes contained a panic I had never seen before. (WMPCTD 62-64)
We love Mr. Pirzada. In fact, if he were real, we would create a hashtag all about loving Mr. Pirzada. Why? Because he shows concern for Lilia even though she's not even his daughter. Sure, it's just Halloween, but his concern is so real that we—and Lilia—can't help but be touched. We know his heart is with his family, possibly in grave danger back in Pakistan.
Quote #3
At the tea stall Mr. and Mrs. Das bickered about who should take Tina to the toilet. Eventually Mrs. Das relented when Mr. Das pointed out that he had given the girl her bath the night before. In the rearview mirror Mr. Kapasi watched as Mrs. Das emerged slowly from his bulky white Ambassador, dragging her shaved, largely bare legs across the back seat. She did not hold the little girl's hand as they walked to the rest room. (IM 1)
Mr. and Mrs. Das—not exactly your model parents. In fact, we feel a little sad for Tina, who probably just needs to pee and ends up having to wait for one of her parents to grudgingly take her. Again, a feeling that the daily responsibilities of family life are just drudgery.