How we cite our quotes: (Section.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"They're dioramas!" said Billy. He grinned. "I helped you—I gave you the idea."
"You did," said Papa, smiling. "And I thank you." […]
Billy felt taller somehow. Bigger. Shiny, even. He'd never helped Papa in such an important way before. (2.5.16-17, 18)
Helping out his dad makes Billy feel great. In fact, it has a huge impact on his sense of self. Check out how he physically feels different, as if he's a brand new size. And what do you think of the idea that Billy is now "shiny"? What might that mean? We've got a hunch that it's a good thing.
Quote #5
"Check out this one," said Papa. He directed Billy's attention to the box at the corner of his worktable.
It was a face—a realistic-looking one—with green sea-glass eyes, coils of wire for hair, and an intricate arrangement of small pieces of wood for skin.
"I'm not done with it yet," said Papa.
Suddenly the face came into clear focus. In wonder, Billy said, "It's me!" (2.5.20-23)
When Papa starts making dioramas, we just know they're going to be cool—come on, the guy put arms on a cello once so his dioramas have got to be rad. But what makes these dioramas even more awesome is that some of them end up as portraits of the Miller family. And first up is Billy. Interestingly, Billy doesn't recognize himself right away. What do you think of this? How do you think he finally figures out that the picture is of him?
Quote #6
He told himself he could do this. He felt a shiver of excitement, then a buzzy sensation. If he made it through the night without sleeping, He'd be a different person, somehow. A more important person. (3.3.18)
Billy has a theory: If he can pull an all-nighter, he'll be a "more important" dude. And that tells us that he thinks sleeping (or, well, not sleeping at all) could have a serious impact on his identity. What do you think of this theory? Why would pulling an all-nighter make Billy more important? Plus, let's not forget that our guy ends up snoozing for most of the night. Do you think that failing at his all-nighter mission has an effect on his identity?