How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Out on the lake, the other boys asked Stanley what he knew about Mr. Sir's face, but he just shrugged and dug his hole. If he didn't talk about it, maybe it would go away. (24.14)
Throughout the first half of the book, Stanley typically reacts to conflict by avoiding it as best he can – often with his characteristic shrug.
Quote #5
The side of Stanley's face was pressed flat against the dirt. He tried to protect himself, but Zigzag's fists slammed off his arms and pounded his face into the ground.
All he could do was wait for it to be over. (30.75-76)
As always, Stanley is as passive as a… passive kid. We know he is bigger than Zigzag, so he could fight back if he chose to. Why doesn't he? Do you see this as a strength or a weakness?
Quote #6
Stanley angrily dug his shovel into the dirt. He was angry at everyone – Mr. Pendanski, the Warden, Zigzag, X-Ray, and his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather. But mostly he was angry at himself. (31.1)
This passage opens the chapter right after Zero runs away from camp. Why is Stanley suddenly so angry? Have we seen him angry at any time before this in the book?