How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
I shook my head. Nonsense. Foolish nonsense. I was being weak and foolish. There was no point in wandering like a lost puppy. I needed to get home and sleep. Grandfather would not be proud if he saw me acting so spineless. I needed to captain myself. (20.87)
Matilda earlier described her mother as her captain. Here, she uses the same image but in a different way. What does it mean to captain herself?
Quote #8
Eliza pulled a knife from the waistband of her skirt. "If they try again, we'll be ready."
Once that would have shocked me, but no longer. I picked up the sword and hung it over the fireplace. We would keep the children safe. (25.15-25.16)
Back at the coffeehouse, Matilda and Eliza have become the sole protectors of the children. What is the significance of the weapons? (Hint: think phallic symbols and masculine authority.)