How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
That was all it took. His lips were on mine, and I couldn't think about anything anymore. There was no Selection, no miserable family, no Illéa itself. (2.4)
America's relationship with Aspen is pretty serious, if you can't tell by this romance-novel-ready passage. Ah—there's nothing quite like some teenage puppy love. Makes us want to listen to Katy Perry. Jokes aside, this love proves to be a huge barrier between America and all of the antics of the Selection.
Quote #2
[I]t was atypical for a woman to marry down. A man from a lower caste could ask for your hand, but it was rare to get a yes. (2.13)
There's one big problem with America and Aspen's relationship: Aspen is in a lower caste than she is. While it doesn't seem too uncommon for a woman to marry into a higher caste, it's all but unheard of for it to happen the other way around. We wonder why that is...
Quote #3
"I can't make you like me. I can't stand the thought of you hungry or cold or scared. I can't make you a Six." (5.40)
Aspen knows that America will have to sacrifice a lot if they actually get married, and it makes him sick with guilt. That's the main reason why he encourages her to take part in the Selection: he could never live with himself if he held her back from such a life-changing opportunity.