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This Boy's Life Rules and Order Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

"I saw the time was right to make a play for souvenirs." (1.4)

The rules are almost political here: choosing the right time to get his Mom to buy him stuff she can't afford. Even at this early age, Jack seems to understand how to play the game.

Quote #2

"Roy acted as if this was a game we were all playing. I knew it wasn't a game, but I didn't know what it was, so I kept the promises he extracted from me to say nothing to her." (2.24)

Jack's playing by rules he doesn't understand here. It's not the first time he's trusted some guideline that turns out to be a complete crock. You'd think he'd learn; then again, that may just bring her around.

Quote #3

"Roy took the rifle back but promised me he'd bring her around." (3.3)

Important lesson: rules can be broken if you're just charming enough. Jack adheres to that lesson, even when it bites him. (We guess it's just another rule that ends up letting him down.)