How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
We discussed it all, and about halfway through breakfast I began to realize that I had changed. I wasn't acting my usual self, I was acting more like a grownup. You couldn't say that I was really an adult, but I wasn't a child anymore, that was certain. […] But even though it was nice to feel more grown-up and act that way, too, I missed Father. Especially toward the end of the day, when I was tired and cold and hungry and there was still wood to be brought up and the barn to be cleaned and Old Pru to be milked, I'd begin feeling sorry for myself and wishing that Father was back. (10.17-18)
It's rough on Tim to be stuck between childhood and adulthood. If he's not "really an adult" and he's not a child, what is he? Well, today we'd call Timmy a teenager, but they didn't use that word back in the colonial days. At least being more grown-up means no one orders Tim around.
Quote #8
"You've changed, Tim."
"I'm more of a grownup, now."
"I can see that. Has it been hard on you and Mother?" (11.76-78)
Tim finally gets to show Sam how much he's grown. We bet this is a proud moment for Tim. He's finally coming into being a grownup, just like his big bro.
Quote #9
He grinned. "Do I look different?"
"Dirtier," she said.
He laughed. "Is that all?"
"No, older," she said. "You've gotten older."
"Tim has too. I hardly recognized him."
"He's had to grow up fast," Mother said. "He didn't have much choice." (11.112-117)
Sam and his mom agree: both Tim and Sam look older. According to Mama Meeker, Tim was forced to grow up. What about Sam? Was he forced to grow up quickly or was it his choice?