How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Instead of apologizing and depreciating himself, as any polite St. Judean would have done, Emile responded by agreeing that [...] a "lite" crab cake would be a wonderful thing, but the question, Mrs. Lambert, was to manage it? Eh? (2.963)
Repression plays a big part in Midwestern values. Enid isn't used to dealing with a brash East Coaster like Emile—luckily, though, she won't have to deal with him for much longer.
Quote #5
What Gary hated most about the Midwest was how unpampered and unprivileged he felt in it St. Jude in its optimistic egalitarianism consistently failed to accord him the respect to which his gifts and attainments entitled him. (3.479)
Gary desperately wants to be seen as upper class, and he believes that he can't have that experience in the egalitarian Midwest. Gary doesn't dig community; Gary digs cash.
Quote #6
Gary wished that all further migration to the coasts could be banned and all Midwesterners encouraged to revert to eating pasty foods and wearing dowdy clothes and playing board games, in order for a strategic national reserve of cluelessness might be maintained. (3.659)
Gary is eager to bury the Midwestern part of himself whenever possible. Of course, he wouldn't be so ashamed if it wasn't a big part of who he was—even in trying to hide his roots, he is formed by the Midwest. Ha.