How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
And then she groaned, deep in her chest, her mouth still closed.
It was a sound so painful, Conor could barely keep himself from putting his hands over his ears. (17.22-23)
Conor's mom's groans are far more painful to him than the yew tree monster's. After all, she's the one in the nightmare with the truly scary monster.
Quote #8
"Son," his father said, leaning forward. "Stories don't always have happy endings." (20.42)
This is the best Conor's dad can do at telling him the truth. It's just as vague and complicated a story as the ones the monster tells, and a lot less helpful. Which raises a question: does Conor's dad's presence relieve some of his suffering? Or does he just make things worse?
Quote #9
"Conor O'Malley," he said, his voice growing poisonous now. "Who everyone's sorry for because of his mum. Who swans around school acting like he's so different, like no one knows his suffering." (23.29)
It comes as a surprise when Harry says this, since Conor seems so determined not to act like he's suffering. He certainly doesn't want to be treated like he is. So why does Harry think he does?