How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"Ah, child, and what does it matter what you are wanting?" said her mother. She squeezed Mig's hand once, twice, and then she died, leaving Mig alone with her father, who, on a market day in spring soon after his wife's death, sold his daughter into service for a handful of cigarettes, a red tablecloth, and a hen. (24.10)
Nobody really cared about her even when her family was together, but now Mig is utterly alone in the world. We later learn how this affects her: she'll latch onto anyone who promises her something better.
Quote #8
Years passed. Mig spent them scrubbing the kettle and tending the sheep and cleaning the hut and collecting innumerable, uncountable, extremely painful clouts to the ear. In the evening, spring or winter, summer or fall, Mig stood in the field as the sun set, hoping that the royal family would pass before her again. (28.1)
Mig lives a pretty lonely life as Uncle's slave, and never gets the love or care that she needs. Instead, she retreats into a fantasy about being a princess. Mig isn't pretty or smart like the princess, and she doesn't really talk about what she's feeling. The author just tells us how Mig spends her time, and this gives the reader sympathy for how totally alone she is.
Quote #9
The princess was led to her fate as around her, everyone slept. The king slept in his giant bed with his crown on his head and his hands crossed on his chest, dreaming that his wife, the queen, was a bird with green and gold feathers who called his name, Phillip, Phillip, Phillip, without ceasing. (38.2)
Even though Princess Pea has all the worldly possessions that she could ever want, her crown and riches won't save her in this moment. Instead, she feels totally alone as Roscuro and Mig force her to descend the steps to the dungeons. The author makes an interesting contrast with everyone upstairs, who are tucked in their beds, dreaming dreams of their loved ones.