How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Now he, like the others, became wrapped only in his own misery and, for the most part, remained aloof from the other travelers. (3.3)
At first, Alex was a bit disturbed by the way the travelers isolated themselves on the road to Moscow. After a day of walking, however, he understands it a lot better. When it takes every scrap of energy you have just to stay alive, making friends is a luxury you can't afford.
Quote #5
"My stomach still hurts very much," he said. He looked pale, and dark circles made his eyes appear to sink way into his head. (9.72)
This is devastating. Miska is pretty much the sweetest kid in the world, so we can't think of a worse person for this to happen to. But, as we see throughout The Wild Children, being a good person doesn't mean bad things won't happen to you. There are no guarantees.
Quote #6
The scene that law before them reminded Alex of a picture in The Inferno. (10.6)
In case you're unaware, The Inferno is a book about hell. Not exactly a raving review, huh? Unfortunately, it's an accurate one—Soviet-run children's homes seem more like jails than orphanages.