How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"It is monstrous to think of them growing up in this—sewer, for it is hardly better than one." "On the contrary," said Keller, "they are among the lucky. Marianstat swarms with waifs and strays, as you surely know. Sometimes I think they must live in the cracks of the sidewalks. For them, what you call a sewer would be a holiday in the country. We, too, should be glad of it as long as we are obliged to stop here." (14.50-51)
Dr. Torrens assumes that Sparrow and Weasel living on their own must be awful, but they actually have more freedom than a lot of urchins in cities. At least this way, they can live as they please. Go, water rats, go.
Quote #8
"You were right, my boy. Honesty is the best policy. That cage was a blessing in disguise. Public humiliation, private starvation. I vowed to mend my ways if ever I got free. My ordeal reduced me in body, but fortified me in spirit." (19.6)
Las Bombas says that, now that he's out of prison, he's going to be a changed man; freedom has altered him permanently. But tigers can't change their stripes—and nothing can make this trickster become an honest dude.
Quote #9
By midmorning, the sun had burned away the fog from the valley land east of Dorning. Theo calculated he had trudged only a few miles, but he was already weary. He had, thus far, come upon no travelers in either direction, for which he was grateful. Being obliged to give an account of himself was the last thing in the world he wanted. He had already done violence to a man. He did not wish to compound this by doing violence to the truth. He had never told a lie; it occurred to him that sooner or later he would have to lie outrageously. The best he could do was put off the moment as long as possible. (4.1)
Once Theo is on his own after Anton's death, he experiences a bewildering sense of freedom. For the first time, he has no clear path to follow or anyone to guide him. He questions his morals and his actions, which is alternately terrifying and helpful as he goes on his journey.