How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
There was no freedom in this. The bars of my balcony caged me in. And I could still see the walls around the palace, high with guards atop the points. (10.67)
America doesn't take very well to palace life. In part, this is due to the vast class differences between America and the royal family: she's so out of her comfort zone in the palace it's not even funny. Regardless of the reason, however, America quickly feels stifled by the constraining nature of the Selection as a whole.
Quote #5
"Open the doors."
"But—Your Majesty–"
"Open the doors and let her go. Now!" (10.79-81)
In a surprising twist, Prince Maxon comes to America's rescue and allows her to get some air in the garden, despite it being against the rules. We did not see that coming.
Quote #6
Would I ever get back any piece of the life I'd had before this? I just didn't know. And there wasn't a damn thing I could do about any of it. (10.89)
It's bad enough that the minute-to-minute experience of being a part of the Selection is a bummer, but America must also reckon with the fact that her life will be forever changed after the competition concludes. No matter the outcome, America will lose some of her precious freedom.