How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Section.Paragraph)
Quote #7
In uncertainty I am certain that underneath their topmost layers of frailty men want to be good and want to be loved. Indeed, most of their vices are attempted short cuts to love. (34.1.10)
Let's think about the short cuts to love bit. What comes to mind for us is Cal's attempt to buy Adam's love by giving him fifteen thousand dollars. While we can totally get behind the idea that money can't buy love, we're not entirely sure what Cal could do differently to gain Adam's affection. If your dad's withholding his love from you, and you try to buy it from him, are you really taking a short cut if you never reach your goal? What do you think?
Quote #8
The poison of loneliness and the gnawing envy of the unlonely had gone out of him, and his person was clean and sweet, and he knew it was. He dredged up an old hatred to test himself, and he found the hatred gone. He wanted to serve his father, to give him some great gift, to perform some huge good task in honor of his father. (39.1.108)
Does this sound like Cal to you? When Cal momentarily has his father's affection, he becomes transformed into a completely different person. Love is like a super-medicine here—it's no wonder he would do anything for it.
Quote #9
[…] well, of Abra he made his immaculate dream and, having created her, fell in love with her. (47. 3.3)
We feel pretty bad for Abra and the ridiculous standard Aron has set for her. It's a lot easier for a not-so-clever person like Aron to just make up the perfect girlfriend who doesn't have any pesky ambiguities or imperfections. Remember, Aron doesn't do ambiguities very well; it's either all good or all bad with him. Oh—and he's doing the same thing his father did with Cathy. We're just saying.