How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #10
"And if what I tell you now sounds senseless, it will in retrospect seem far too clear; and when this happens, when those flowers in your eyes wither, irrecoverable as they are, why, though no tears helped dissolve my own cocoon, I shall weep a little for you." (2.8.5)
Randolph prefaces his tale of violence, love, and control with this poetic disclaimer. The flowers in Joel's eyes are like his innocence. They're beautiful, but they also keep him from understanding everything he sees. But once they die, and their beauty is gone, he'll understand Randolph's entire crazy story.