How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"There are three important things to remember. Don't open the front door to anyone, no matter how they knock, and don't be late going down to the cellar. [...] Whatever else you do, don't let [the candle] go out." (3.18, 3.21)
The Spook's job is full of rules, many of them seemingly arbitrary. But no matter how stupid they sound, Tom tries to follow them. So we think it's kind of unfair that when Tom breaks the last rule accidentally, he still gets punished for it. There's a method to this madness, though; Tom needs to learn to follow all of the rules in order to survive.
Quote #2
"Go down as soon as you hear [the bell]—When someone's cooked good food he may get angry if you let it go cold. But don't come down too early either, because that could be just as bad." (5.39)
This little rule combines Spook's supernatural world and simple table manners. When breakfast is ready, you come to the table. Especially if it's French Toast. That dish is no good cold. But in Spook's world, coming to the table early also means being around boggarts and other scary beings.
Quote #3
"Let that be a lesson to you lad. Next time it might be worse." (5.57)
Tom accidentally breaks another rule when he thinks the breakfast bell has rung, but it hasn't. He's punished again even though it's an accident. We guess you have to accept the consequences for breaking a rule, even if you don't mean to.