How we cite our quotes: (Chapter, Paragraph)
Quote #4
Mr. Prentiss Jr. looks at him, then looks at us, still holding his bloody mouth. Like I say, he ain't barely two years older than me, barely able to even get a sentence out without his voice breaking, but he's had his birthday to be a man so there he is, our sheriff. (4.72)
We really see here that becoming a man is an outside thing—something that happens in the eyes of society—rather than an actual process of maturity. In reality, Prentiss Jr. is basically the same age as Todd, but since his birthday has come, he gets to be in charge while Todd is still treated like a kid.
Quote #5
"The law is for men," Hildy says, her voice staying calm like we were standing there talking bout the weather. Can't she see how red this man's Noise is getting? Red ain't yer color if you wanna have a chat. "This here pup ain't a man yet." (17.11)
For all of Todd's wanting to be a man, not being of age has its perks. Matthew Lyle is furious at Todd because he's from Prentisstown, but since he's not a man of Prentisstown, the rules don't apply to him; he's not yet a part of whatever the rest of the town is a part of.
Quote #6
"That's how New World's always done it. It's sposed to be scriptural. Aaron always went on about it symbolizing the day you eat from the Tree of Knowledge and go from innocence into sin." (21.69)
Hold on, young Todd—he's so blinded by wanting to be a man like everyone else that he doesn't catch the dark stuff that he's been told about it. This coming-of-age business is described as going from "innocence to sin," though, which sounds a bit ominous. It's kind of surprising that he hasn't picked up on this.