How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Wilhelm's recollection went on. Margaret nursed him. They had had two rooms of furniture, which was later seized. She sat on the bed and read to him. He made her read for days, and she read stories, poetry, everything in the house. (5.74)
This passage offers us a rare glimpse into the early years of Wilhelm's marriage to Margaret, giving us a romantic portrait of a young couple struggling to make ends meet as they try to make a life for themselves. Unfortunately for us, we already know how this ends.
Quote #8
"This has been one of those days, Margaret. May I never live to go through another like it. I mean that with all my heart. So I'm not going to try to do any thinking today. Tomorrow I'm going to go see some guys. One is a sales manager. The other is in television. But not to act," he hastily added. "On the business end." (7.59)
This is the first we hear of Wilhelm's plans to see a sales manager and a man in television. Is he really planning to seek work with these guys tomorrow, or are these simply two more pipe dreams in a long, long line?
Quote #9
"Well," she said, measured and unbending, remorselessly unbending, "you still think like a youngster. But you can't do that any more. Every other day you want to make a new start. But in eighteen years you'll be eligible for retirement. Nobody wants to hire a new man of your age." (7.62)
Is Margaret right to criticize Wilhelm for always wanting to make a new start? Is he the kind of man who simply cuts and runs when the going gets tough? Has he ever stuck anything out?