How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Clara loved presents, but she dreaded the ceremony of opening them. It was ill-bred to show too much excitement, but if she wasn't grateful enough, she ran the risk of hurting her mother's feelings. Clara thrust the thought aside. This year she would do everything exactly right. (1.2)
Being a young lady is a total drag when you're not even allowed to act excited when opening your birthday gifts. Clara has to make sure that she reacts to everything just right, which is both difficult and confusing.
Quote #2
It was a beautiful dress, but childish; next year, when she was thirteen, she would wear longer skirts and a whalebone corset. Clara wasn't looking forward to that. Her present clothes were constrictive enough. (1.6)
Clara isn't just restricted in what she does and says—she's also restricted in how she moves because her clothes are so stiff. How is she supposed to enjoy herself or play like a normal kid if she has to wear a whalebone corset?
Quote #3
Most of the time when she eavesdropped, she heard about how spoiled she was. She supposed it was true. She made extra work for the servants, and her parents cosseted her, worrying endlessly about her health. Her father inspected the nursery weekly, using his pocket handkerchief to check for drafts, and the nursery fire was kept burning even in the summer. Clara's birthday frock had been made by the finest dressmaker in London, and she knew her presents would be many and expensive. (1.22)
There's no doubt about it: Clara comes from a pretty loaded family. Her parents lavish her with gifts and pretty things, but at the end of the day, their affection is withheld. That's tougher for her than not getting all of the material belongings she wants.