Go after her!
-- Mr. Kingsley (chapter 1)

Importance: During a class exercise, Joelle verbalizes a feeling of betrayal towards Sarah, as Sarah ignored Joelle for most of the summer. When Joelle then runs out of the room, Kingsley urges Sarah to follow her. This moment begins to illustrate Kingsley's pattern of using class exercises to incite dramatic, potentially destructive conflicts between students.

It is a fact, of physiology. Of psychology. Your emotional sensitivity—it is superior to that of your parents, your teachers. That is why these years of your life…are so difficult, but also so important.
-- Ms. Rozot (chapter 1)

Importance: Ms. Rozot makes these statements to Sarah after Sarah runs to the bathroom to cry. Rozot comforts Sarah by informing her that increased emotional sensitivity is normal for teenagers, and although it is painful, it can also be useful and necessary for personal growth. This moment thematically emphasizes the importance of emotion as a formative force in...