The American Suffering Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

The marriage had been made in your horrible French way, Newman continued, made by two families without her having any voice? (8.16)

Newman is Judgy McJudgerson. Perhaps he's right, although he often assumes that Claire has no voice. But he also doesn't really value Claire for her voice or her opinions—he judges her for how she'll help him achieve his dream of a perfect life.

Quote #5

To see you will be nothing but a distress for me; there is no need, therefore, to wait for what you call brighter days. (20.2)

Claire seems resigned to suffering for the rest of her days. To be fair, she's had a lot of practice and suffering is probably second nature to her now.

Quote #6

"To you, to whom I have done this hard and cruel thing, the only reparation I can make is to say I know it, I feel it!" (20.10)

Claire and Newman are constantly trying to understand each other. Here, Claire finally feels like she has access to Newman's emotional state…possibly because she's been made to suffer in a similar way.