How we cite our quotes: (Part.Section.Paragraph)
Quote #4
When I was thirteen my uncle wanted to kiss me and when I tried to run away, everybody laughed. He pinned my arms and kissed me on the cheek; then he said, "Oho, I got my kiss! I got my kiss!" and everybody thought it was too ducky for words. Of course they blamed me—it's harmless, they said, you're only a child, he's paying you attention, you ought to be grateful. Everything's all right as long as he doesn't rape you. (4.11.1)
This scene is clearly one of the formative moments in Laura's life. How is power distributed here? What kinds of power does her uncle exploit?
Quote #5
Then I had a lady shrink who said it was my problem because I was the one who was trying to rock the boat and you can't expect them to change. So I suppose I'm the one who must change. Which is what my best friend said. "Compromise," she said, answering her fiftieth phone call of the night. "Think what power it gives you over them." (4.11.5)
What kind of power would Laura gain by compromising with boys or men? How would it compare to the power that the menfolk enjoy?
Quote #6
Dunyasha Bernadetteson (the most brilliant mind in the world, b. A.C. 344, d. A.C. 426) heard of this unfortunate young person and immediately pronounced the following shchasnïy, or cryptic one-word saying:
"Power!" (4.12.1-2)
Dunyasha Bernadetteson was clearly a fan of The Temptations.