How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Section.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Teddy watched her press down on her stapler. "I knew you were an ensign," he said. "I'm not sure, but I believe when somebody asks your name you're supposed to say your whole name. Jane Mathewson, or Phyllis Mathewson, or whatever the case may be." (3.11)
Some critics think that Teddy is not in fact the spiritual guru he claims to be, but a troubled, intelligent boy with an overactive imagination. This theory is driven by passages like this one. Why is Teddy so interested in word games and proper grammar and speaking if he's decided that "logic and intellectual stuff" are pointless? How do we reconcile these two seemingly contradictory parts of his personality?
Quote #5
Answer Professor Mandell's letter when you get a chance and the patience. (4.8)
Check out Teddy's phrasing – "when you get a chance and the patience." This is a sort of fancy figure of speech called a syllepsis; the verb ("get") changes meaning with the two objects it takes ("chance" and "patience"). It's worth noting that Teddy demonstrates this sort of literary prowess.
Quote #6
"Where all did you go?"
Teddy suddenly reached forward and scratched the calf of his leg. "Well, it would take me too much time to name all the places, because we took our car and drove fairly great distances." (4.38)
Teddy takes everything very literally – another of the genuinely kid-like qualities he possesses.