How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Love, thick and dark as Alaga syrup, eased up into that cracked window. I could smell it – taste it – sweet, musty, with an edge of wintergreen in its base – everywhere in that house. (1.1.10)
Although the MacTeer house is cold, they have their love to keep them warm. (Aww!)
Quote #2
Dandelions. A dart of affection leaps out from her to them. But they do not look at her and do not send love back. She thinks, 'They are ugly. They are weeds.' Preoccupied with that revelation, she trips on the sidewalk crack. Anger stirs and wakes in her; it opens its mouth, and like a hot-mouthed puppy, laps up the dredges of her shame. Anger is better. There is a sense of being in anger. A reality and presence. An awareness of worth. (1.3.31)
Pecola identifies with and loves the weeds because they are ugly.
Quote #3
She eats the candy, its sweetness is good. To eat the candy is somehow to eat the eyes, eat Mary Jane. Love Mary Jane. Be Mary Jane. (1.3.33)
In Pecola's mind, loving Mary Jane seems to be associated with becoming her. This moment reminds us of Pecola's obsession with Shirley Temple. Pecola seems to love people that represent what she wants to be.