How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"We've always wanted the best for Cole," he said. "His mother and I have devoted our lives to him, but he—"
"That's bull!" Cole shouted suddenly, although he wasn't holding the feather. "You drink until you can't stand up, and you're gone all the time. A devoted parent doesn't whip his kid until a shirt can't hide all the bruises!" (5.27-28)
Cole gets super upset when his father speaks during the Circle Justice meeting because he acts like he's been the best parent ever. Cole knows this is far from the truth—he's actually an abusive, alcoholic parent.
Quote #5
Cole tried to be calm, but his voice shook and his face felt hot. "We aren't supposed to lie when we hold the feather, but my father just lied. My parents don't have the time of day for me. I'm just in their way, especially since they split up. I bet my dad can't even tell you when my birthday is." (6.11)
No matter what his parents say to other people, Cole sees right through their lies. He knows that his father is just saying all of these supportive things because he's trying to save his own face. He doesn't actually care about being a good parent.
Quote #6
Watching the bird made Cole curse every second of his miserable and haphazard life. If he were the mother bird, he would just leave the babies to fend for themselves. She didn't owe them anything. (9.7)
Because he's lacked a loving parental presence throughout his life, Cole finds the mother bird's care for her baby birds completely baffling. He can't figure out why she takes care of them so well.