How we cite our quotes: (Stanza.Line)
Quote #1
"Of course not!" smiled Thidwick, the Big-Hearted Moose.
"I'm happy my antlers can be of some use.
There's room there to spare, and I'm happy to share!
Be my guest and I hope that you're comfortable there!" (3.1-4)
Thidwick believes he's doing the right thing because, well, he is. He won't be harmed by the wee bug chilling onto his giant antlers. Just because Thidwick's action is moral now does not mean it'll stay that way.
Quote #2
All Thidwick's friends shouted, "GET RID OF THOSE PESTS!"
"I would, but I can't," sobbed poor Thidwick. "They're guests!" (18.1-2)
Quote #3
You couldn't say "Skat!" 'cause that wouldn't be right.
You couldn't shout "Scram!" 'cause that isn't polite.
A host has to put up with all kinds of pests,
For a host, above all, must be nice to his guests. (26.1-4)
Here, the narrator turns it around on the reader and confronts him or her directly. These are the phrases children hear when they are learning how to properly treat others. Even though the reader may recognize the words, the sentiment behind them is 180 degrees different.