How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
I went into her bedroom, grabbed the coverlet off the bed, and put it over her. I decided she'd be more comfortable without the boots and pulled those off her as well. She whimpered a little and snuggled into the coverlet. "I'm going to move the clock out here," I said, "and set it for eight thirty." (10.15)
Beth is about as useless as parents come, and yet instead of leaving her to suffer, Karl consistently tends to her—here, taking care of her as she passes out drunk. That's some serious compassion.
Quote #5
"Bethie's sorry, preciouses, Bethie is, please come out." O Mighty Couch, I Bring You the Broom of Righteousness, Yield Up Your Cats.
I guess if I was serious about my rule that you have to love any girl that cracks you up, I was stuck loving Mom. (13.72-73)
You're probably thinking that if you had to live with Karl's mom, you'd probably pull a Cruella De Vil and skin every single cat yourself and then make a coat out of the fur. We're sure this is how Karl feels, too, except that every once in a while, he makes these comments that show he really does love his mom. We do have to admit that she's funny. Extremely insane, yes, but funny.
Quote #6
"Do you hate your mom?"
"Sometimes. I try not to. I mean it's not like I can trade her in and get another one." I shrugged. "I guess I can feel sorry for her. She just wants people to like her and think she's cool. I guess I can't really hate her." (15.12-13)
Tales of the Madman Underground is all about Karl realizing that he doesn't need to be normal in order to be happy. Perhaps he says this because he recognizes that he can't fault his mom for wanting the same acceptance and normalcy that he does.