How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Volume.Chapter.Paragraph) and (Volume.Chapter.Section.Paragraph)
Quote #10
"Oh, Elphie, don't be cross," Nessarose said, looking down at her feet. "Don't ruin my small happiness with resentment, will you? He knows you don't need this kind of thing."
"Of course not," said Elphaba. "Of course I don't." (2.3.4.30-1)
Elphaba's reply here reveals her true state of mind. She repeats herself, as if she's trying to convince not only Nessa but herself that she doesn't "need" those shoes. Nessa's use of the word need is also interesting, since it highlights what the real problem is here: Elphaba "needing" attention and love from Frex.
Quote #11
"She always does this, usually to make Father irate."
"Father's not around," Elphaba reminded her sister.
"I stand in for him and I am offended," said Nessarose....
"Father's not around," said Elphaba again, in a tone that verged on the apologetic. "You needn't rush to public defense of his obsessions." (2.3.2.38-41)
Elphaba's tone shift at the end of this passage is intriguing. She goes from sounding fairly catty to "apologetic." So what is she apologetic for? Maybe she's sorry for provoking Nessa, or maybe she's sorry that she is so overly devoted to Frex's brand of religion.
Quote #12
How deeply bound by cords of family anger we all are, thought the Witch. None of us breaks free. (5.11.40)
This idea of anger binding families, as opposed to love, is a reflection of Elphaba's own emotional state. She feels angry, trapped, and guilty, and her family is at the core of these various tumultuous feelings. But is this statement universally true? Elphaba seems to think so.