How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
If she couldn't protect the animals in her keeping, how could she protect her own son? (10.14)
As the title suggests, Antonina is defined by her relationship to her husband. She also places all her worth in her ability to take care of her son. An alternate title of this book might be The Zookeeper's Son's Mother.
Quote #5
Lonia had watched Szymon die; her daughter had been discovered by the Gestapo in Krakòw and shot; only the dachshund survived as a family. (16.13)
Antonina is happy to have animals as part of the family because she still has a human family. Szymon Tenenbaum's wife, Lonia, doesn't have the luxury, so it's really sad that a dog is her family—and her only family.
Quote #6
According to Jan, "The personality of animals will develop according to how you raise, train, educate them—you can't generalize about them. Just like people who own dogs and cats will tell you, no two are exactly alike. Who knew that a rabbit could learn to kiss a human, open doors, or give us reminders about dinnertime?" (18.8)
By treating animals as part of the family, the Żabińskis end up with nice, sweet animals. Does this mean animals without families are mean? Somewhere, is there a bunny with no family who tries to organize a mass extinction of all other bunnies?