How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Section.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"You have made an enormous impression on me," said John's eyes, "and I'm not so slow myself"—"How do you do?" said his voice. "I hope you're better this morning."—"You darling," added his eyes tremulously. (5.9)
Compare this love-at-first-sight scene to a very similar passage in " The Curious Case of Benjamin Button " (about three paragraphs down on this page). How would you characterize Fitzgerald's idea of young love?
Quote #8
[John] was critical about women. A single defect—a thick ankle, a hoarse voice, a glass eye—was enough to make him utterly indifferent. And here for the first time in his life he was beside a girl who seemed to him the incarnation of physical perfection. (5.11)
It's probably no coincidence that Kismine – like her father's giant diamond – appears to be flawless. Check out her "Character Analysis" for more details.
Quote #9
[Kismine:] "I'm very innocent and girlish. I never smoke, or drink, or read anything except poetry. I know scarcely any mathematics or chemistry. I dress very simply—in fact, I scarcely dress at all. I think sophisticated is the last thing you can say about me. I believe that girls ought to enjoy their youths in a wholesome way." (5.25)
If John is our glimpse into adolescent boyhood, then Kismine is the female equivalent. What picture does Fitzgerald paint of female adolescence? Is Kismine a fair representation? A caricature?