The American Suffering Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

To accept his injury and walk away without looking behind him was a stretch of good-nature of which he found himself incapable. (21.1)

Newman isn't particularly used to suffering. He's a stubborn fellow who usually gets what he wants. In fact, he thinks that acceptance is a sign of weakness. Hey, that's not so different from Valentin's desire to fight in a duel, is it? Good work, Mr. James.

Quote #8

They worked on her feelings; they knew that was the way. (23.1)

The true cause of Claire's suffering is her extreme empathy. She feels deeply that she should be loyal to her family. (To be fair, she also has more than her fair share of deep-seated trauma from having been treated like a chess piece for so long.)

Quote #9

But the dullness of his days pleased him; his melancholy, which was settling into a secondary stage, like a healing wound, had in it a certain acrid, palatable sweetness. (26.1)

Newman is gradually becoming used to his state of suffering. At a certain point, he even embraces it…sort of.