How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
When Mig turned seven years old, there was no cake, no celebration, no singing, no present, no acknowledgment of her birthday at all other than Mig saying, "Uncle, today I am seven years old."
And Uncle saying in return, "Did I ask ye how old you were today? Get out of my face before I give ye a good clout to the ear." (26.1-2)
Mig hasn't had loving and sympathetic adults in her young life so far. Her mother is dead, her father traded her for a tablecloth, and her master doesn't even care when it's her birthday. This lack of compassion has consequences: Mig's a sucker for any rat who pays her some attention.
Quote #5
"Gor," said Mig. I aim to be a princess, too, someday."
"That's a fine dream," said the soldier. […]
"I'm happy to be going," said Mig, putting a hand up and gently touching one of her cauliflower ears.
"Might just as well be happy, seeing as it doesn't make a difference to anyone but you if you are or not," said the soldier. "We will take you to the castle and they will set you up fine. You will no longer be a slave. You will be a paid servant." (28.33-34)
The soldier who takes Mig to the castle gives her the first good news she's had in years. He doesn't even ridicule her dream to someday become a princess. He's the first person who doesn't tell her that she's stupid and useless. He's not the warm and fuzzy type, but he's kind to her.
Quote #6
"Ain't that the thing," said Mig. "My ma is dead, too.
'How old were you when she died?"
[…] "Not but six," said Mig.
"I'm sorry," said the princess. She gave Mig a quick, deep look of sympathy. "How old are you now?"
"Twelve years."
"So am I," said the princess. "We're the same age. What is your name?" she shouted. (29.38-41)
It would be easy for Princess Pea to ignore someone like Mig, who's just a servant girl. But instead, Pea asks her about her life, and even draws comparisons between their lives. She doesn't act superior at all. This kindness has consequences: Mig will return the favor eventually.