How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
[Lonnie] was torn about Nan's party. He wanted to go for her sake and because he loved that little house up in the mountains […] But how could you go to a party for someone who'd written you off? […] Pop might not have cut his head off, but he'd wounded him all the same. Banished him. (22.5-6)
It's amazing what people will sacrifice just to prove they're right. Somehow, Lonnie thinks that staying away from Nan's party—even though he really wants to go—will make some kind of statement to Pop. Actually, Lonnie's the real loser in this scenario. By not going to the party, he would not only miss the celebration, but still be consumed by anger. Luckily, both Lonnie and Pop come around.
Quote #8
[Charlie] stood stock-still, his fists clenched by his side, waves of rage and shock rolling through his blood. This was what they left home for, he thought bitterly, these girls. (22.45)
What exactly is Charlie angry about when he catches Clara making out with Lonnie? Is he upset because his daughter could be making a mistake that could affect the rest of her life? Or is he angry because she's making him look bad in front of his workplace? We know Charlie has a problem with wanting people to fit his rigid standards, so we're betting on the latter.
Quote #9
Stan didn't soften, as May had hoped he would: he didn't leap up from his seat and hurry out onto the station and then on down the street, searching for his grandson's new home. All that happened was that Stan gave a guilty start and turned his head away. (26.2)
May's humility and forgiving spirit make Stan's anger toward Lonnie seem even more ridiculous. The fact that he thinks about stopping at Lonnie's proves that he's feeling guilty, even if he doesn't want to admit it.