How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"What is it that you don't feel, huh? Anger? Sadness? Any of the twenty-eight flavors?" (12.42)
This line shows us three things. 1) Conrad is isolated from his emotions. 2) Berger has a quirky way of making analogies. And most importantly, 3) There was a time when Baskin Robbins only had 28 flavors.
Quote #5
He sits down, suddenly, looking out of his window again. […] Everything as usual; fuzzy and slightly out of focus, no, wait a minute, wait a minute, it is not out of focus. It is clear and sharp, distinct, in place. His whole life is in place and it spreads out around him, steady and full of purpose. (16.10)
When Conrad initially sits down, he feels isolated, as always—so isolated that the world looks blurry. And although he doesn't explain the near-mystical feeling that washes over him, it's a bit of inspiration that strikes. Now he thinks he knows how he can fit in.
Quote #6
"It takes a long time to get over the feeling that everybody's watching all the time." (16.45)
Whether or not Conrad attempted suicide to get attention is up for debate. What isn't debatable is the fact that he gets lots of attention after his attempt, and he finds out that he doesn't want to be the center of attention…at least not from those people who are paying attention to him. This is why Conrad often withdraws: he wants to be by himself and escape everyone watching him, even though they mean no harm.