How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
My whole family's reaction to any kind of conflict is to avoid it. Each of us would prefer to spend money or chew off a limb rather than have a fight. Our aversion to fights is a quiet one except for Link. He always makes a big drama out of removing himself from an argument. The rest of us are more low-key about it. (1.27)
In their desperation to avoid conflict, the McConnells have sacrificed their ability to communicate. At all. They are far more comfortable avoiding each other (and any chance of confrontation), so they fail to address some of the really important issues until it's too late.
Quote #2
I don't say anything. He's not asking me a question so much as telling me it's none of my business. He never says that to me in a flat-out way, of course. It's more Link's style to put all the important information into what he doesn't say. Sometimes I understand him and lots of times I don't. (1.53)
There's the problem with unspoken methods of communication: Sometimes you are misunderstood or misinterpreted. If even your little sister, who idolizes you, can't understand what you're getting at, how is anyone else supposed to understand you? How much of Link's problems could be solved by just talking to someone?
Quote #3
Neither Newland or the Countess can bring themselves to say the obvious: I love you and no one else. Newland, in particular, is so concerned with what people might think of him that when he sends the Countess flowers, he doesn't include a card. The Countess doesn't want to upset anyone and therefore never asks for anything. Not even the thing she wants most, which is for Newland to love her. This seems like an unbelievably horrible way to live your life. (2.36)
Doesn't the Countess's situation feel a bit too familiar? Why can't Ellen see that she's in the midst of living her life in the same "horrible way" that the Countess is by swallowing her love for James and by "never asking for anything" from the two people she admires most? Even if she does see the similarities, why do you think she doesn't do anything to change her situation?