How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
If I had a whole book of Shakespeare they could keep me in the hospital for a year. (8.89)
Frank's quite the autodidact. He's has the ability but never the opportunity. Once he's in the hospital and is allowed to read what he wants, his self-education takes off.
Quote #5
He tells us what is important and why. No master ever told us why before. If you asked why you'd be hit on the head. Hoppy doesn't call us idiots and if you ask a question he doesn't go into a rage. He's the only master who stops and says, Do ye understand what I'm talking about? Do ye want to ask a question? (8.155)
Mr. Halloran's an exception to the rule—he's not afraid of questions. He knows that's how kids learn, but his teaching style was unusual in those days. In or out of school, Frank knows he's not supposed to ask questions about adults if you didn't want to be smacked.
Quote #6
You have to study and learn so that you can make up your own mind about history and everything else but you can't make up an empty mind. Stock your mind, stock your mind. It is your house of treasure and no one in the world can interfere with it. (8.161)
Mr. O'Halloran is right. Knowledge is power. Once you've acquired it, no one can take it away from you. Part of what's striking about Mr. O'Halloran's teaching methods is that it's in complete contrast with religious dogma. It opens discussions. It asks questions. It's unbiased. It's inspiring.