How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
As for the girl, she exists in an impersonal limbo, untouched by what is worst or best. She merely exists, inhaling and exhaling, inhaling and exhaling. Why should there be anything more? (3.47)
Gee, maybe because that sounds like a pretty miserable existence? And it is. But the thing is, if you just don't think about it, you won't feel miserable. Hm. We're not sold.
Quote #5
The only thing she desired was to live. She could not explain, for she did not probe her situation. Perhaps she felt there was some glory in living. (3.58)
Glorious? Or just sad? It's tempting to put our own feelings onto Macabéa, but maybe we should really just take her at face value: she's happy. We might not be happy in a similar situation, but, well, we're not her. She is. (Deep, right?)
Quote #6
Before being born was she an idea? Before being born was she dead? And after being born was she about to die? (3.58)
These questions bring up the idea of destiny versus free will. Is there anything Macabéa could've have done to improve her lot in life, or was she simply destined for a hard, sad life?