How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
When the nuts were all gone, he stumbled upon some inviting books in a closet, among them one about the etiquette of the English court. This was a prize. He lay down upon a sumptuous divan, and proceeded to instruct himself with honest zeal. (7.13)
Tom's kind of like an anthropologist studying a new foreign culture—except this culture is right in his backyard; it's just been closed off to him his whole life. How strange is it that people as similar, deep down, as Tom and Edward could have such different lots in life, even though they live almost next to each other?
Quote #8
It was a meal which was distinguished by this curious feature, that rank was waived on both sides; yet neither recipient of the favor was aware that it had been extended. The goodwife had intended to feed this young tramp with broken victuals in a corner, like any other tramp, or like a dog; but she was so remorseful for the scolding she had given him, that she did what she could to atone for it by allowing him to sit at the family table and eat with his betters, on ostensible terms of equality with them; and the king, on his side, was so remorseful for having broken his trust, after the family had been so kind to him, that he forced himself to atone for it by humbling himself to the family level, instead of requiring the woman and her children to stand and wait upon him while he occupied their table in the solitary state due his birth and dignity. It does us all good to unbend sometimes. (19.28)
Why do both the king and the old woman think they have done a good deed? Is either of them correct? How is a "good deed" defined here? Does the definition vary by class?
Quote #9
"Peace! What are thy paltry domains, thy trivial interests, contrasted with matters which concern the weal of a nation and the integrity of a throne!" Then he added, in a gentle voice, as if he were sorry for his severity, "Obey and have no fear; I will right thee, I will make thee whole —yes, more than whole. I shall remember, and requite." (26.11)
It's moments like this that make us not like Prince Edward so much: he can really be a pain sometimes. But is he right? Are his problems bigger than Miles's simply because of his social class? We mean, yeah, he is the king and all, but still...