How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"We don't even know who or what to fear, and so we fear everyone and everything." (1.65)
Katriana expresses this idea better than we ever could. Hmm… maybe she should be the one writing for Shmoop. Jokes aside, this is the perfect description of the way that fear works in the Soviet Union.
Quote #5
Alex reached for his school bag to get some bread […] Gone! […] A moment of panic and terror, tears close to his eyes. (2.24)
Gee willikers, things just keep getting worse. Alex was able to keep his fear under control when he was with Katriana, but he's completely lost now that he's on his own. It's going to be a tough road from here on out.
Quote #6
The boy's rough appearance and manner frightened him, but the invitation to food was too much to resist. (3.48)
Peter comes from the streets, so it makes sense that he intimidates a geeky kid like Alex at first. But—perhaps for the first time—Alex manages to keep his fear under control and make the right choice. Hey, it's a start.