"'The little-girl dress suits me better than that old sack. —Let me wear it a little longer, Mother! Just for the summer! This penitential robe will keep. —Hold it till my next birthday. I'd only trip on the hem now.'" —Wendla, Act I, Scene 1

"'I can't. —I can't relax on a subject like reproduction. If you want to do me a favor, give me your explanations in writing. Write down what you know. Make it as brief and clear as you can and stick it among my books during gym. I'll take it home without knowing I've got it. I'll come upon it unexpectedly. I'll have no choice but to glance through it...with a weary eye...and if it's absolutely necessary, you could add a few illustrations in the margin.'" —Moritz, Act 1, Scene 2

"'I-I know how true it is: if...