How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"I can understand why." Behind Peterson's blandly smiling exterior he calculated. He had only one evening. Did they have an open marriage? How direct an approach would she tolerate? How to broach the subject with Kiefer there? (11.113)
The concept of family is one of give and take in the novel. At their best, Renfrew provides for Marjorie while Marjorie also provides for Renfrew—be it money, meals, or support. So it makes sense that someone as self-serving as Peterson wouldn't have a family. In fact, he will attempt to take from another's family to serve his own desires.
Quote #5
Cliff and Laos and the sense in Cliff's words of things real and important, muddy and grim—the thoughts chewed at him, all churned together in the layer of fog with Penny and his distant, inevitable mother. Experimental physics seemed a toy, no better than a crossword puzzle, beside these things. (13.118)
In the "Symbols" section, we discuss how the shelving Renfrew makes is a symbol for perspective in regards to truth. Here, Gordon feels something similar, only instead of pertaining to truth, his views shift to decide that maybe family is more important than the toy of experimental physics. Momentarily anyway….
Quote #6
Gordon lay back on the bed, spouting a resigned whoosh of disbelief. "Penny, I know you think I'm some sort of New York communist, but I fail to see—"
"I'm late already. Linda invited me to this cocktail party for Goldwater, and I'm going. You want to go?"
"Good God, no."
"Okay, I'm going."
"You're a literature student who's for Goldwater? Come on."
"I know I don't fit your stereotypes, but that's your problem, Gordon." (16.163-168)
Here's a bit of irony in Gordon's character. As a scientist, he is willing to think outside the box and explore ideas that are beyond the comprehension of others, but as a family man, he wants those around him to fit into nice little boxes, clearly marked and stored in their proper place.