How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Seeing the reverend on the other side of that six-foot hole reminded me that I was "sister of the the deceased"—a fancy title for someone who stands quietly, holds her tongue, and maintains a mournful attitude. (1.3)
We can't think of a description less fitting for Georgie than the one given here. How does Georgie see her role as the "sister of the deceased"? How is it the same as or different from the role others expect her to play?
Quote #2
There was a long pause, then Agatha sighed and turned to face me. She grabbed my hand. "Listen to me, Georgie. I love you. No matter where I am or what I'm doing, I always love you."
I blinked, confused. "I know. I love you too." (3.43-44)
If we know our foreshadowing, we know a conversation like this means something's about to change, and usually not for the better, at least not for the person on the receiving end. Agatha's about to skip town, for sure—we could've told Georgie that.
Quote #3
Ma gave me jobs like retrieving the canned delicacies from the cellar: fancy tins of tangerines, olives, smoked herring, Japanese green tea, lobster, and the like. I was to remove the dented ones (setting them aside for Ma to inspect) and polish up the rest. I was to do this on the back stoop—a place she wasn't likely to be.
Fine, I thought. I can do without you too. (5.3-4)
Georgie and her mother are getting on each other's nerves in a big way, largely because neither of them agrees with how the other is responding to Agatha's death. What is it about grief that damages relationships among surviving family members who otherwise love each other?